Originally in the horse industry, Devon Moody, ’15, felt drawn to teaching because it combined her love of literature and writing with a desire to make a difference. After moving from Orange County, California, to Kentucky in 2012, her path to the classroom began at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.
Moody now teaches English at Montgomery County High School and also serves as a dual credit instructor at Clay Community Center. In recognition of her impact as an educator, she was named the 2025 Extra Yard for Teachers winner during the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences EKU Football game on Sept. 27.
EKU’s MAT program is designed for those who already hold a non-teaching bachelor’s degree and want to pursue teacher licensure while earning a master’s degree.
“The MAT program at EKU really opened my eyes to what teaching would look like,” Moody said. “They made sure we were up to date with Kentucky teaching standards, but we also gained hands-on experiences such as lesson planning, classroom observations and student teaching.”
Moody chose EKU for its flexibility, which allowed her to balance coursework while working at the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity. During her time at EKU, Moody observed at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and completed student teaching at Henry Clay High School. Those placements, she said, gave her the confidence and skills to transition into a new career path.
Moody was also recognized as EKU’s MAT Cooperating Teacher of the Year for 2024–25.
“Devon’s classroom is a place filled with joy,” said EKU Director of Professional Education Services Brandy Blackburn. “She is skilled at finding creative ways to foster a love for learning, and the love her students have for her is clear. She is a clear example of what all great educators should aspire to be.”
The Extra Yard for Teachers award is presented annually from the College Football Playoff through EKU Football to honor an outstanding local teacher and inspire educators. Teachers are nominated by their clinical students or student teachers, and faculty and staff select one overall winner for the award.
By A’Mya Kendrick
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