Ms. Moote's Retirement Party - June 1, 2024

Ms. Moote started teaching Kindergarten at Center Street School in 1987. That's right .... 37 YEARS! 37 classes of children have had the honor of having Ms. Moote as their first introduction to education. She has played such an integral part in the foundation of many of our children's lives. She is the epitome of the most thoughtful, giving, loving and kind teacher. We are so lucky to have had her. - Ms. Moote's Room Moms

“The End of an Era”

Daphne A. Moote Announces Retirement

After 37 years of dedicated service in the classroom, statewide education activism, and advocacy, Daphne Moote has announced her retirement from the El Segundo School District effective at the end of the 2024 school year. A graduate of the University of Southern California School of Education, (Where her father, the late A. Lloyd Moote was Professor Emeritus of European History) and the CSU Dominguez M.Ed. program, Daphne is a tireless and selfless advocate for students, teachers, administrators, and district employees. Moote helped generations of students begin their educational journey as a National Board-Certified Early Learner Generalist and Trainer of teachers seeking National Board Certification. She served her entire classroom career as a kinder teacher, while influencing the lives of students at every grade level.

From the very beginning, her passionate activism and advocacy work was evident. Beginning at the local level as a Building Representative for the El Segundo Teachers Association, Daphne rose rapidly through the various levels of ESTA; eventually serving as the President of the El Segundo Teachers Association for an unprecedented 16 years! All the while building a solid relationship with the California Teachers Association and spearheading efforts to negotiate significant benefits for deserving El Segundo District employees. Of vital importance was working to preserve class sizes and programs that support student learning. Her efforts did not go unrecognized.

Moote is a three-time recipient of the Bay Valley Service Center Council WHO Award (We Honor Our Own), given for her years of dedicated service to the El Segundo Teachers Association, The Bay Valley Service Center Council, and the California Teachers Association. Moote also served as a trainer of TLC staff, and numerous committees, such as PTA Council. Her behind the scene efforts helped make the El Segundo School District generally, and Center Street, a recognized institution of academic excellence. Her efforts do not end there.

Along with her husband, Daphne co-founded a popular summer education nonprofit, the Daphne A. Moote Learning Academy (DAMLA), which began in 1990. The curriculum focuses on learning through the creative arts, and has been a pioneer in the development of similar summer projects that have emerged. Her experience in curriculum development and his experience as a playwright and director, have joined to produce a fun learning experience, supporting their research that learning is enhanced by the creative arts. Her many years as an ETM (Education Through Music) devotee adds a special quality to the summer workshop experience.

But it is in the classroom, helping to develop new learners, where Moote finds her greatest joy. To this day she hears from students who go back many years, and she marvels at the many occasions when now adult former kindergarten students enroll their own kids in her Center Street kinder class. Her social media accounts abound with photos, notes, and remembrances from both current and past students and their families. The love pouring out from folks who have learned of her impending retirement is frequent and fulfilling. As a recent group of parents who were former students commented when they heard the news of her retirement, “There is only one Ms. Moote. She will be missed. Thank you!”

https://www.evite.com/event/0173BPKRVZUFUE2RQEPOZSFHIBOKDI?gid=0173BPKRVZUFUE2RQEPOZSFHIT36WI&show=5544415699861504&source_nctr=general

Sponsored by Bill Ruane - Remax El Segundo & Rinaldi's