Influencer of the Week: Loretta Moser, Innovation Montessori

Loretta Moser is the school resource officer at Innovation Montessori in the city of Ocoee. Her primary job is to provide a safe and secure environment on campus while developing a rapport with students, staff and parents. Nicole Tischer, assistant principal at the school, said Moser is a wonderful addition to the school community. “She works hard each day to make sure that students, staff and members of the community feel safe,” Tischer said.

What do you love most about your school?

Being a smaller school, what I love most about Innovation Montessori is that you really get to know the staff and students. It is a very tight-knit community that really looks out for one another.

What is your motivation?         

I would say that my biggest motivation is my daughter. Her smile is definitely what keeps me going and striving to be my best.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to interact with the students on a day to day basis. While I worked in criminal investigations, I met with people under unfortunate circumstances. Before officers were placed in schools, many kids only met police officers when something bad was happening. I think it is important for kids to have positive interactions with police officers other than during calls for emergencies.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have a 4-year-old who is constantly on the go; my spare time is usually consumed with just trying to keep up with her. We are often found playing outside or finding new places to go and explore.   

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

Mrs. Carty and Mrs. Castaneda from fifth grade were my favorite teachers. Depending on the subject, we switched between classes, and both made learning new things fun and were very passionate about their students’ learning.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

As a child, I tried to bring any and every animal I found back home with me. If it showed up at my house, I begged my parents to let me keep it. If I saw an injured animal, I tried helping it. Everyone always thought I would grow up to be a veterinarian, but realizing that being a veterinarian also came with some pretty hard decisions, I found that it was not for me.  

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

One of my favorite children’s books is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. I have always loved Dr. Seuss books and often read them to my daughter. What I really like about this book is that it really inspires you to keep reaching no matter what challenges you may face.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include going to the gym, spending time with family, reading, fishing and finding a good movie to watch.               

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Reba McEntire, George Strait and Garth Brooks. I just love the sound of classic country, and these artists remind me of my childhood.           

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

One thing I remember is the square pizzas we used to get for school lunches. Pizza day at school was definitely the best day of the week. A special treat was being able to walk up to the convenience store and picking out an ice cream.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is definitely my all-time favorite holiday. When I was a child, every Christmas my family would load up in the car and drive around to different neighborhoods to look at all the lights on the houses.   

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

This is a hard one. I feel like I had many best friends throughout my school days. I do have a good friend, Maria, who I have known since middle school, and, yes, we still do keep in touch as much as we can living in different states.  

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I did a little bit of dance and karate as a child, but softball is what I loved most.