Meet Moses, a valued EOCF Staff Member who has changed numerous lives through preschool programs and family support services.
From Student to Teacher
Moses Kimeli Korir began his career with EOCF in February 2021 as a full-time Head Start teacher at our Ellsworth location. Moses worked full-time and attended Clark College’s Early Childhood Education program while raising two children with his spouse. EOCF was honored to congratulate Moses on earning his Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Clark College’s President’s Award, providing full tuition for up to two years to complete his bachelor’s degree at Washington State University Vancouver.
As reported, in part, by Susan Parrish, Communications Consultant with Clark College:
“Ever since he was a 10-year-old boy growing up in Kenya, Moses Kimeli Korir dreamed of being a teacher. When he grew up, he traveled 9,000 miles to Vancouver, Washington to fulfill his dreams. The international student applied for a work permit to allow him to work full time while he completes his studies. He was delighted to find a job that allowed him to continue working with children and more than doubled his work hours—and made it possible for him to stay in school and work toward his goal. Wynett, Korir’s supervisor at EOCF, said, ‘Moses has a calming presence, a steadiness in the classroom. He’s willing to learn and grow. He exudes kindness and respect.'”
An EOCF Teacher’s Assistant who works with Korir in the Ellsworth classroom, said:
“Moses meets the students’ needs. If someone is having a meltdown, he’s very kind to the children. He sees what needs to be done, and he does it. The children love him. We’re reaching them some words in his native Swahili language. In the morning, we greet each other by saying Jambo.”
Dana, Center Director of his site remarks that:
“Moses engages with the children. We have a child on the spectrum, and he’s very good with her.” Noting that the Ellsworth Head Start is an all-day program, she added, “keeping kids engaged all day, you have to be on top of your game.”