Western-Star.com

Name: Robert Howell Moreland.

Residence: "Clifton area of Cincinnati."

(ENLARGE)

Family: "Daughter, Emily; son, Palmer; partner, Kurt Liphardt."

College/work experience: "Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky.; master's degree in education from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky.; Gifted Education Certification from Wright State University in Dayton."

How long have you been teaching and where? "Sixteen years — eight in Falmouth, Ky. (my hometown); eight in Lebanon, where I currently teach at Berry Intermediate School."

What subject and grade do you teach? "I teach gifted and talented students in the fifth and sixth grades."

Why did you want to be a teacher? "I always relished and thrived in the learning process. A strong desire to build excitement in inquiry and confidence in others led me to the teaching profession."

What is your teaching philosophy? "My teaching philosophy encompasses effectuating a positive contribution to students by establishing a creative and stimulating environment through which they can develop, learn to make choices, and grow to their full potential."

What inspires you? "Traveling, politics, human rights, nature, performing arts, fine arts, music, Broadway, animals and the environment."

What are your professional goals? "A. Continuous education in the Ohio Department of Education standards and goals for gifted education. B. Meeting the individual needs of gifted students."

Classroom success stories: "In the gifted classroom, students benefit by collaborating with other gifted pupils. When students realize that there are others with similar abilities and aptitudes for challenges, the vivacity becomes enlivened. Freedom to express opinions, thoughts and ideas consistently build confidence in students as well."