After more than three decades spent tirelessly tending to her young students, Michelle Moore is now the one in need.
The beloved St. Augustine elementary school teacher is unable to work as she recovers from a serious knee injury after a student attack, according to a GoFundMe post.
The Crookshank Elementary School educator was set upon during an incident involving a student with behavioral challenges, according to the campaign.
The student kicked her in the knee, causing significant damage, including a badly severed meniscus that required surgery.
Moore, the campaign said, has spent more than 33 years in education and was described as a dedicated and compassionate teacher.
A graduate of Ohio State University, she spent much of her career in the Buckeye State before moving to St. Augustine four years ago to be closer to her daughter and grandson.
Friends and colleagues say the move came with financial sacrifices, including a pay cut and the loss of accumulated sick leave, but Moore remained committed to both her family and her students.
Following the attack, Moore underwent surgery and now faces a lengthy recovery.
While some of her medical care has been covered, she is expected to be out of the classroom indefinitely, creating financial strain as her available leave is limited.
Despite the challenges, Moore has remained positive. In a social media post shared after her operation, she thanked supporters and reflected on her recovery.
“Constant pain but this is different from the pain I usually have,” she wrote. “One day at a time & one prayer at a time! Thank you for all the prayers and love being sent my way. God is good all the time.”
