Faculty Spotlight: Mary-Susan Moore

From Student to Teacher of the Year: Mary-Susan Moore’s Journey at Strong Rock

By: Josie Evans, SRCS Advancement Communications Coordinator

When Mary-Susan Moore first arrived at Strong Rock back in 2007, she was, in her own words, “a lonely eighth-grader.”

“I was not saved, lost, very depressed,” Moore explained. “A very creative child with nowhere to put it.”

Just two weeks into the school year, Moore attended chapel where a fellow student shared his testimony. That moment changed her life—it led her to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.

“I was so amazed there was a Savior out there who loved me, created me, and all of my weirdness was not a mistake but exactly how God lined out my life to be,” she said.

Today, Moore is not only thriving but giving back in a powerful way. She now serves as Strong Rock’s high school drama director, oversees the drama elective, and teaches 7th grade Bible. She is also the 2025 SRCS Academy Teacher of the Year.

Moore has a special place in her heart for academy students. “They’re so confused and emotional, and I just see a lot of myself in that. I want to be the outlet for them that I needed so badly in middle school.”

For Moore, the arts are a vital way to connect students with faith.

“That’s exactly what Jesus did. His ministry was telling stories. It was parables. And so teaching kids that storytelling, and their talents, can glorify Him—that’s a big part of my biblical worldview integration in my classes.”

Her students agree she makes an impact. Peyton Elrod, an eighth-grader, said Moore encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone. “I’ve gotten out of my shell and auditioned for plays.”

Lily Brown, also in eighth grade, has had Moore for both drama and Bible classes. “I love Ms. Moore so much. The way she teaches and stuff, she’s just very hands-on and interactive.”

Looking back, Moore said if someone had told her in 2007 that she would one day return to teach at Strong Rock, she wouldn’t have believed it. But she says God always had a bigger plan.

“It’s been such a blessing, getting to pour back into Strong Rock, and being that adult I needed really badly.”