Greet Mill Creek is proud to have spent the past five years recognizing exceptional teachers with the Above and Beyond Teaching Award. This honor was created in response to the extraordinary efforts of teachers during the pandemic—those who went above and beyond to ensure students received the best possible education despite the many challenges. Understanding the vital role teachers play in shaping the future, Greet Mill Creek has presented this award annually to one outstanding educator. As we conclude this program in 2025, we are pleased to honor one final teacher with a $1,000 prize in recognition of their unwavering commitment to education.

Each year, we've invited the community to nominate teachers who embody the heart of teaching—those who create safe, engaging, and inspiring learning environments. Among the incredible nominations over the last five years, one name has stood out repeatedly: Lesley Moffat.

Lesley has dedicated 37 years to teaching music and currently leads the band program at Heatherwood Middle School. A third-generation music teacher, Lesley knew from an early age that she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. “My dad was a high school band teacher in our community growing up,” she recalls. “Our family life revolved around all the band activities, and I loved it!” That passion fueled her own journey as a music educator, allowing her to teach and inspire students in the same way her father once did.

For over 20 years, Lesley taught at Jackson High School, where she not only led a thriving music program but also had the unique joy of teaching her own children. Her former students and their families still speak highly of the impact she made on their lives. Connie B., a parent who has nominated Lesley, shares, “Both of my children were blessed to have Mrs. Moffat as their band teacher for all four years of high school. In her class, they not only grew their musical talents but also found a nurturing community that made them feel welcomed, heard, and seen.”

Beyond the classroom, Lesley has taken her students on unforgettable musical journeys, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and exciting destinations such as Disneyland, Disney World, and even cruise ships. Watching her students discover their own musical potential and achieve what they once thought impossible is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching, she shares.

Transitioning to Heatherwood Middle School from Henry M. Jackson, Lesley embraced the opportunity to inspire even younger musicians. “My main goal here is to instill a lifelong love of making music,” she says. She introduces creative lessons such as “drumming days,” where students use rubber-tipped drumsticks and buckets to explore rhythm and sound in unconventional ways. Her approach ensures music remains accessible, exciting, and engaging for her students.

Her influence extends beyond her own classroom. Lesley has played a pivotal role in shaping the music programs at Jackson High School, recruiting talented and compassionate directors to continue her legacy. As Connie B. puts it, “She has nurtured a love and appreciation for music at a younger age and still feeds these talented students into the Jackson High School band programs she worked so hard to build. We are so grateful for it!”

In addition to her work with students, Lesley is deeply committed to supporting fellow educators. She understands the challenges that come with teaching and has made it her mission to help teachers find balance. Her bestselling books, I Love My Job But It’s Killing Me and Love the Job, Lose the Stress, provide practical guidance on managing the demands of teaching without sacrificing personal well-being. More recently, she launched a podcast, Band Director Boot Camp: Productivity and Wellness Tips for Busy Band Directors, to equip the next generation of educators with tools for success.

Reflecting on her career, Lesley shares, “Living in Mill Creek and serving this community has been such a blessing.” Her dedication to music education, her students, and her fellow teachers has left an indelible mark on the community, making her the perfect recipient of this year’s Above and Beyond Teaching Award. Congratulations, Lesley Moffat, on this well-deserved honor! Your passion and commitment continue to inspire students, families, and fellow educators, shaping a brighter future for all.