In a ninth-grade classroom filled with eager honors English students, Nicholas Moore Jr. ’25 stands confidently at the front, leading a discussion on the power of language. As a senior in TCU’s College of Education (COE), Nicholas is more than a student teacher, he is a mentor, a role model and a future leader in education. His journey to TCU, shaped by a passion for teaching and a commitment to inspiring the next generation, has been driven by hard work, perseverance and the transformative support of programs like its Maestro Program.
From Memphis to Fort Worth
Moore’s story begins in Memphis, Tenn., where he spent the early years of his childhood before moving to Fort Worth in 2011. His interest in TCU was sparked during middle school when recruiters and teachers, many of whom were TCU alumni, spoke about the university’s many opportunities. This experience stayed with him, fueling his ambition to become a Horned Frog.
“I was searching for a college that would not only support my teaching journey but also give me the opportunity to give back to the next and current generations of scholars,” Moore said.
Moore’s passion for education was inspired by the dedicated teachers he encountered throughout his academic journey. Among them, his eighth-grade English teacher, Mr. Dunn, and his high school professor, Professor Eason, had a profound impact on his decision to pursue teaching.
“Mr. Dunn kept it simple and broke content down, so it wasn’t hard,” Moore recalled. “Although from a young age I enjoyed helping others and appreciated continuous learning, eighth grade was when I decided I wanted to pursue educating as a career thanks to Mr. Dunn.”
Professor Eason further ignited that passion during Moore’s sophomore and junior years of high school.
“Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Professor Eason made learning engaging and manageable,” Moore explained. “Her classes emphasized writing workshops, peer reviews, and in-depth research, all of which helped me grow as a student. Professor Eason’s dedication and support made a lasting impact on me and was another key reason I felt inspired to pursue my education at TCU.”
With a deep-rooted passion for education, Nicholas chose to major in Secondary Education in Language and Literacy with ESL 7-12, accompanied by a minor in Educational Studies. Moore intends on teaching high school English Language Arts and Reading, particularly dual credit courses, and eventually become a college professor specializing in literacy education.
The College of Education Experience
Moore’s time in TCU’s College of Education has been filled with hands-on learning, invaluable mentorship and opportunities for individual growth. The college, dedicated to preparing exemplary leaders for diverse educational settings, has provided him with rigorous coursework, field experiences and supportive faculty who have encouraged his academic and professional development.
“Through my major and minor coursework, I gained early, hands-on experience at a Fort Worth ISD school and the Starpoint School, one of TCU’s two lab schools,” Moore said.
“These opportunities allowed me to apply my learning in real classroom settings, building the skills and confidence needed to pursue teacher certification and thrive as an educator.”
Beyond the classroom, Nicholas has actively contributed to the TCU community serving on the TCU COE Student Dean’s Cabinet Advisory, where he works directly with faculty and administration to enhance student experiences in the College of Education. In his role as an undergraduate peer writing consultant for the William L. Adams Center for Writing, Moore pours into others by giving students tailored feedback and revisions on their essays.
One professor who has significantly shaped Moore’s TCU experience is Steve Przymus, Ph.D., associate professor of education specializing in ESL and bilingual education.
“At TCU, I’ve had the privilege of learning from many incredible professors, but Dr. Przymus has been especially influential,” Moore reflected. “During my freshman year, I was looking for programs and clubs and when I discovered the Maestro Program. After reaching out to Dr. Przymus, I was immediately drawn to his depth of knowledge in language acquisition, ESL and bilingual education. His passion for the field made me even more eager to learn from him.”
Przymus' mentorship has extended far beyond coursework. He introduced Moore to effective teaching strategies for multilingual learners and involved him in advocacy work at UT Austin, where they promoted TCU’s College of Education and the Maestro Program.
“As a part of my student teaching experience, I am conducting inquiry-based research on a topic in education, and I chose Dr. Przymus as my faculty advisor,” Moore explained. "It is an incredible opportunity to learn from him in a new way, and it is also my way of expressing gratitude for the impact he has had on my journey.”
Making an Impact Through the Maestro Program
As a passionate advocate for education, Nicholas is a member of the Maestro Program, an initiative designed to recruit and support more men in education, especially those from Latinx and other underrepresented backgrounds. This program seeks to address a critical gap in the teaching workforce as less than 2% of the teacher workforce in the U.S. consists of Hispanic males.
“I want my students to see a role model who understands their backgrounds and experiences. Representation in education matters, and the Maestro Program has empowered me to advocate for that. By working alongside other aspiring educators who share this vision, I feel more driven to create learning environments where every student feels seen, valued and inspired to achieve their full potential.”
Lessons, Growth and Looking Ahead
When reflecting on his most impactful experience at TCU, Moore points to the community within the College of Education. The friendships, faculty connections and support systems built throughout his journey have been invaluable.
“I still remember our first day during my first year – seeing my peers for the first time and reconnecting with them in other classes as we moved through the years,” Moore reflects. “Now, as graduation approaches, the thought of walking the stage together draws near, and I know we will leave an impact on our future scholars.”
His advice for future Horned Frogs? Build relationships with professors.
“Your professors can open doors to careers you never even imagined,” Moore emphasizes. “Be passionate about what you do, and your professors will see that passion. They’ll guide you, support you and help propel you toward your goals.”
A Future of Possibilities
As the first in his family to attend and graduate college, Nicholas will earn his bachelor’s degree in just two and a half years before pursuing his master’s degree at TCU. Moore’s story embodies the mission of the TCU College of Education, to prepare reflective, ethical and innovative leaders.
As Moore continues his education and steps into his future, his impact on education is already being felt. Through his passion, dedication and leadership, he is poised to inspire the next generation of scholars one classroom at a time.
Macy Bayer ’28 studies journalism and marketing at TCU with a minor in political science, and is from Muenster, Texas. She is a social media and marketing intern for the Office of Admission.