John Watson Moore

About John Watson Moore
The inspiration for the Teacher Development Fund at Duke School
John Watson Moore -- Teacher of science and math, Principal of R.J Reynolds High School, and ultimately Superintendent of the Winston-Salem Public Schools from 1912-1956 -- was an extraordinary educator with a vision ahead of his time for the nurturing of teachers.

The DS Teacher Development Fund was established in 1990 to commemorate his firm belief that teachers should have time off for professional development in addition to being respected and well paid.

For his retirement, his loyal teachers wrote and read to him an Ode , a verse of which is quoted below:

My heart sings a song unending -- John Watson Moore
For in loving one is loved
In honoring one is honored
In serving one is served

Milestones in the career of this dedicated educator:

Received his BA from Davidson College, further educational coursework at Columbia University and the University of Chicago, and a PhD from Duke University
Served as Principal (1920 - 1932); Superintendent (1933-1956)
In 1952 received the honor of a school named for him, The John W Moore Magnet Elementary School. His portrait, painted by Joe King , hangs in the lobby.
In 1952 received the honorary degree of Doctor of Pedagogy from Davidson College
Along with his friend Terry Sanford, then NC Governor, selected the site for the NC School of the Arts and raised the funds to renovate the old Gray High School for its first building

John W Moore's character: honest, ethical, deeply fair. Here are two examples:

On the subject of taking vacations (he didn't):

During the summer: "I must find the best teachers and prepare for the fall term. I cannot take a vacation."
During the school year: "I can't take a vacation now while the teachers are working."

On the subject of a pay raise proposed for him:

One year when the school budget was tight, the board informed Dr. Moore that they would not be able to honor his request for teacher salary increases but they were able to give him a raise. He politely refused, stating that he would accept an increase only after one was granted to the teachers.