Regina Moore Named Dean of Students and 6th Grade ELA Teacher at Hillsboro Intermediate School

Longtime Hillsboro educator brings 24 years of district service, a heart for students, and a focus on real-life skills to her new role.

By The Jefferson Review

HILLSBORO, Mo. — Hillsboro R-3 School District has announced the promotion of Mrs. Regina Moore as the next Dean of Students and 6th Grade English Language Arts teacher at Hillsboro Intermediate School.

Moore will succeed Ms. Jenny Welker, who recently accepted a position as assistant principal at Hillsboro High School.

For many families in Hillsboro R-3, Moore is already a familiar name. She has spent the past 17 years teaching at Hillsboro High School and The Learning Center, where she taught English, agriculture electives, and career exploration courses. Before entering the classroom, she also spent seven years serving the district as a school bus driver.

Altogether, Moore’s new role continues a 24-year career of service to students in Hillsboro R-3.

“I love all students like they’re my own,” Moore said. “I call them my kids all the time.”

Throughout her teaching career, Moore has focused not only on academics, but also on preparing students for life beyond the classroom. In her career exploration classes, students met local business leaders, learned about different professions, and explored possible career paths. According to the district, some students were even able to secure employment opportunities through connections made in her classroom.

Moore said those practical lessons were an important part of her work with students.

“I taught life skills. Real-life skills,” Moore said. “Everything from doing laundry and touring apartments to understanding the cost of living and learning how to build credit.”

Associate Superintendent Melissa Hildebrand said Moore’s ability to connect with students and build meaningful relationships helped make her a strong choice for the position.

“Regina has a remarkable ability to connect with students from all backgrounds and experiences,” Hildebrand said. “She takes time to build genuine relationships, helping all students feel supported and understood. Regina consistently creates an environment where students can thrive. Her commitment to developing meaningful connections with students, families, and staff has made a lasting impact on our schools and our community.”

As she prepares to move into the Intermediate School, Moore said she is looking forward to working with students earlier in their educational journey.

“The Intermediate School years are when students begin to figure out who they are and where they want to go,” Moore said. “Helping students, especially those facing difficult situations, is something I am very passionate about.”

Moore’s path into education began in a practical way. She said her husband’s job in interstate construction zones had become more dangerous and demanding, and the family needed a backup plan in case something happened. But what started as a practical decision quickly became a calling.

“My husband’s job became more dangerous and demanding working in construction zones along the interstate,” Moore said. “We needed a backup plan in case something happened, and I just love being around children.”

Education is also a family tradition for Moore. She is a fourth-generation Hillsboro R-3 employee. All of her children graduated from Hillsboro High School before going on to earn college degrees. Today, she is also a proud grandmother of three, including one recent Hillsboro graduate, a future seventh grader, and a future third grader.

Moore holds an Associate Degree in Teacher Education from Jefferson College, a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English from Southeast Missouri State University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southeast Missouri State University.

She will begin her new position as Dean of Students and 6th Grade ELA teacher at Hillsboro Intermediate School this August.

Please join the Hillsboro R-3 School District in congratulating Regina Moore on her promotion.