Graphic with picture of Justin Moreschi reading: Elementary School Teacher Achievement Award Winner, Klondike Elementary School (Jefferson County)

Justin Moreschi is a 16-year veteran educator currently teaching 4th- and 5th-grade science at Klondike Lane Elementary (Jefferson County).

Moreschi earned bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and learning and behavior disorders from Bellarmine University. He said he wanted to teach science because he was exposed to the excitement of the subject as a child through his dad’s profession.

“When I was a child, my father was an elephant trainer at the Louisville Zoo,” Moreschi said. “He instilled in me a love for animals at a very young age.”

After he graduated college, Moreschi worked as a summer educator at the Louisville Zoo, like his dad did when he was young. Today, the Louisville native spends 100% of his working hours in the classroom with students.

Moreschi has shared his love for science with his students by exposing them to different animal species in his classroom.

“It is incredibly important for children to develop a nurturing sense of appreciation for animals to ensure their continued existence,” he said.

When Moreschi isn’t teaching real-world science content in his classroom, he is engaging with students through the gifted education program at his school.

Moreschi was first exposed to gifted education when Western Kentucky University (WKU) worked with Jefferson County Public Schools to train teachers in the education of gifted students. Enlightened by the program, Moreschi earned his specialist in education degree in gifted education and talent development from WKU.

“Earning this degree has provided me with the knowledge and experience necessary to advocate for many of my students,” he said.

Moreschi also makes time to engage in his students’ extracurricular activities as an archery instructor/coach and the band teacher for his school’s Bluegrass Club.

Based on his exemplary work as an educator, Moreschi was named as a 2024 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award winner in the elementary school category.

“I have taught with dozens of teachers who deserve accolades like this, and I never thought I would be recognized in this way,” he said. “I only hope to represent those who nominated me well and make my students proud.”

Now as an educator leader, Moreschi encourages his future fellow teachers to hold onto what inspires them to teach.

“The inspiration to teach has come to all of us in countless ways, events and processes,” he said. “Seizing this opportunity of teaching will change your life in ways you could never imagine.”