Tyler Moomaw '21, Middle Childhood Education

Middle school education calls for passionate teaching and Tyler Moomaw ‘21 plans to take that on in stride. However, a career in teaching was not his initial goal. 

“I started coaching students in fifth and sixth grade while I was in high school and I really enjoyed teaching. I also became involved in the children’s department at my church. Yet even with all my experiences pointing to education, I originally wanted to go into physical therapy,” he said. 

One day, after having a conversation with his mom, a fourth grade teacher, Moomaw realized that he wanted to teach after all. With this revelation, he recognized that Malone would lead him down the right path toward completing his goals. 

“I knew that Malone had an intentionally relational community in addition to a solid education program that would allow me to participate in field experience right away,” he said. 

His placement with local middle schools has given Moomaw practical experience in the classroom. “I am being prepared for complexity through my field experiences. So much goes into teaching in a classroom because you have to learn to teach while observing students’ behavior at the same time,” he said.

Along with his field experience, Moomaw says that the faculty at Malone have made an impact on his life and his approach to education. “The intentionality and mentorship of professors at Malone is wonderful,” he said. “They demonstrate how you can show Jesus in the classroom.”

Middle school-aged youth have a special place in Moomaw’s heart and he knows that it is how he can pursue his calling. 

“I want to make a difference in my students' lives and positively impact the identity formation they will experience in middle school,” he said. “There is so much more to teaching than content. I want students to know that there is a fullness to life and my goal is that they will be able to witness that through my teaching.”

Do you know a current Malone student who is maximizing their academic potential through hands-on learning opportunities like internships or service to the greater community? Recommend them to be featured in our Student Profiles story series!