Mr. Tony Green’s retirement last school year left a vacancy in Meridian’s Physical Education (PE) Department. Fortunately, Ms. Tia Moore stepped up to assume his position with a mission to implement new and engaging PE programs for Meridian students.

Ms. Moore begins her day at 3:30 a.m. to accommodate a 20-40 mile bike ride before school. “I really began biking during the pandemic when I had nothing to do, so I hopped on my bike and started riding,” she said. Ms. Moore utilizes rigorous exercise to ground herself before the day starts and maintain her physical strength. 

Ms. Moore’s dedication to athletics does not stop when she gets to school. She works to introduce new ideas to the PE department to help students enjoy movement like her while still learning how to prioritize an active lifestyle. 

“I like using my own personal interests to inspire activities we do in class,” she said. “I always want the kids to have fun so I try to pick activities that are non-traditional and interesting.”

Ms. Moore thrives under challenges and works diligently to accomplish her goals. “My biggest fear is not being successful. I like to do well at everything I do and put my best effort into it,” she said, smiling. Ms. Moore likes to push herself, treating every day as a new challenge. 

Growing up, Ms. Moore always sought motivation from the people that surrounded her, especially her mother. “My mom has always been the person who motivates me most,” she said. “Her life experiences have always pushed me to be my best.”

Additionally, Ms. Moore has always been driven by her love for learning. She began her studies at Christopher Newport University, where she also played division three basketball. Afterward, she continued her education at Grand Canyon University where she discovered her passion for teaching. 

Ms. Moore noticed decreased activity levels and elevated technology addiction due to coronavirus restrictions and online school. Now that students have returned to in-person learning, she encourages students to exercise and prioritize their health. 

While she has an appreciation for traditional PE class activities like badminton and basketball, Ms. Moore recently added archery to the PE curriculum. 

“I am a certified archery instructor and I love to hunt in my free time,” she says. “I think archery is a helpful and effective activity for students to participate in.” Ms. Moore applied for a grant from the National Archery in Schools program and received money for an enhanced program.

Ms. Moore loves working with kids and immediately felt a connection to the high school level after she began her teaching career in West Virginia. She appreciates the “intellectual conversations” she has with older students, and the deeper bond she is able to make. 

Her interest in teaching also extends beyond the classroom. “I would love to get back into administration in the future. I think that position suits me well and my goal is to do it in ten years.” 

Ms. Moore has already made a tremendous impact on the PE program at Meridian. She hopes her introduction of new activities and her passion for fitness will teach students new skills, forever progressing the curriculum. 

“My most prominent goal is to motivate my kids to become a better version of themselves,” Ms. Moore said. “I want them to learn that health is a lifelong skill and they can apply it to the rest of their lives.”