FRISCO, TX — Centennial High School theatre director Darius Moore does more than teach theatre. He’s a mentor to many and leaves an immeasurable impact everywhere he goes. His dedication to his students and craft led him to be officially named Teacher of the Year at the Nov. 7th pep rally, having also won the High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) Texas Theatre Educator of the Year Award in 2023.
Each year, Centennial High School elects one teacher of the year of the 140 total teachers. This year, students and faculty collaborated to decide on the winner through discussions and voting. The honor recognizes educators who embody what it means to be a teacher, inspiring students and colleagues alike to learn and grow. All Frisco Independent School District (FISD) teachers of the year (thirty total) are then nominated for the Teacher of the District award given later in the year, and can advance all the way to Texas Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Moore’s teaching philosophy is student-centered, ensuring every student succeeds. “In order to make the environment fun for the student, you have to meet the student where they are,” Mr. Moore explains. “Students need somebody who can understand and relate to them, and if they have that person that they can understand and relate to then they’re willing to be open to what that person wants to offer.” By prioritizing meaningful connections and relatability, Mr. Moore fosters a learning environment that stretches far beyond academics and theatre, nurturing the whole student, while offering them the tools and time to succeed inside and outside the classroom walls.
Learning goes both ways with Mr. Moore, as he looks to be the best version of himself every day. “The high school students have helped me learn how to be a better adult overall. They have taught me so much about life in various ways,” Mr. Moore shared.
One of Mr. Moore’s students, senior Titan Theatre student Madison Watkins, shared her insight on her experiences with Mr. Moore. “It’s been really special to see the way that he leads others in his position and I could not have been able to do all the things that I’ve done in the past four years without his support.”
Mr. Moore is not only known as an excellent teacher but also as an outstanding coworker. “Working with Mr. Moore has been absolutely fantastic. He made the transition to Centennial so easy, and honestly, so fun.” Centennial High School’s new technical director Ms. Warner shared, reflecting on her experience as a new teacher at Centennial. “I’ve never had someone encourage my creativity in the same way that he does. It truly is a collaborative effort which is what theatre… and teaching is.”
The standard of education set by Mr. Moore has inspired students to pursue similar careers. “By watching his example, I’m able to see how I want to lead others and guide others in the future through educational theatre,” shared Watkins.
For Mr. Moore, the classroom is the world’s biggest stage, and every student has a starring role. His devotion goes a long way and reaches every student, making the Teacher of the Year honor well-deserved.
