PCHS Teacher Named ACT College & Career Readiness Champion

Melanie Moffat, an English Language Learner and elective teacher at Park City High, has been selected as the 2017-18 ACT College & Career Readiness Champion for the K-12 professional category. She represents the Northwest Division which includes Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Moffat was recognized for her work to advance the condition of college and career readiness for all. Champions represent those across the country who support ACT’s mission of helping people achieve education and workplace success, and have the honor of being selected as the sole champion for their category, in their state.

“At Park City High School parents have high expectations for college readiness,” said Julie Hooker, a colleague of Moffat’s at PCHS who nominated her for the award. “A few years ago Melanie and Anna Williams identified a need for our English-Language Learners and first-generation learners. They noted that these students did not have the same access to ACT preparation courses, college application preparation and post-secondary opportunities so she  designed a program that includes ACT preparation, Content Link, and, most importantly, college tours for our most at-risk students.”

Moffat spends time teaching and mentoring first-generation students. “Melanie’s classroom is next to mine and is always filled with students — before school, after school and at lunch,” Hooker said.

She has designed a summer school program to encourage English Language Learners to enroll in Advanced Placement courses, manages a team of teachers each summer and hosts 30 (+) students. The demand for this program is increasing because it prepares students for the rigor of AP courses.  Park City High’s achievement gap has decreased and ELL students are taking and succeeding in AP courses.

“Everyone, at some point in their lives, has been inspired by an individual who is tenacious, positive, and dedicated to helping others achieve their life’s goals,” said Scott Montgomery, ACT senior vice president of Public Affairs. “This initiative provides a way to recognize those exemplary individuals whom we all know and love and want to ensure their stories are told to inspire the actions of others.”