This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month are Julie Liford, Beth Mooney and Taylor North from Powell High School in Tennessee. Nominator Chad Smith wrote:
I am proud to nominate three exceptional Staffulty members whose graciousness, generosity, and unwavering teamwork consistently bring out the best in everyone around them. Their positive spirit sets the tone for our school community, and their willingness to go above and beyond ensures that every event they touch becomes meaningful, memorable, and student-centered.
Together, they have planned and executed some of our most cherished school traditions, including pep rallies, Homecoming activities, the Winter Formal, and Gratitude Grams. Their largest undertaking—Winter Wishes—showcases not only their organizational talent but their deep commitment to creating joy and connection for every student. None of these events would be possible without the combined efforts, creativity, and heart of all three individuals. Their partnership is a model of service, collaboration, and kindness, and our school is better because of them.
What do you teach? Are you involved with anything else at your school?
Julie Liford: Assistant Principal, New Teacher Advisor, Renaissance Advisor
Beth Mooney: Science and Leadership, Renaissance Advisor, New Teacher Advisor, Science Bowl Coach, Social Media Creator
Taylor North: Science, Renaissance Advisor, Homecoming Director, Lead Teacher
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
What we value most about our school culture is the genuine sense of belonging felt by every student and Staffulty member. We intentionally create an inclusive environment where special education students are fully embraced. One program is our inclusive cheer squad, Powell Peps, featuring our students with disabilities that cheer along side our cheer team during football and basketball games. We also create an environment where all cultures and ethnicities are respected and celebrated. Some examples are having a Hispanic Heritage celebration, flags of the home county of our ELL students are displayed and we create opportunities for our foreign exchange students to get involved with building climate and culture at the school. While these are just a few highlights, we feel this commitment to inclusion, acceptance, and support allows our community to feel connected and valued.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
Our favorite Renaissance moment for us was hosting our first Regional Renaissance Conference in the spring. We were able to share the power and impact of implementing the Renaissance philosophy with surrounding schools. We were able to showcase what it means to be a Renaissance School to both non-Ren schools and just-starting Ren schools. Our students were able to share our traditions with other students and form connections.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has reignited our passion for teaching and building our school climate and culture. It has helped us focus on building relationships and celebrating growth, not just academic outcomes. Seeing how small moments of recognition can have such a big impact on student confidence and motivation reminds us of why we are educators. Through Renaissance, we are reminded of the power of meeting students where they are and celebrating effort, improvement, and character while seeing that students feel valued and seen has made our work more meaningful and rewarding.
What is something that helps you feel Better Than Good?
What makes us feel better than good as educators is seeing students feel genuinely seen and valued. When a student who once felt disconnected begins to believe in themselves – academically or personally – that moment goes beyond “good.” It’s a reminder that relationships and encouragement truly change lives.
What is something you do to help others feel Better Than Good?
Here at Powell High School, we build traditions and ordinary moments that foster connection and opportunities for our community to feel Better Than Good. Some ways we accomplish this atmosphere include High Five Fridays, Students of the Month per Academy, multiple monthly Staffulty recognitions, Winter Wishes, Welcome Sign Wednesday, quarterly Rencentives, and Incentive Cards.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to help others be their best selves?
Our focus as a Ren Team is to push others out of their comfort zones, creating opportunities for personal growth and leadership for all students and Staffulty and utilizing the Ren Resources to drive powerful conversations and discussions. Our mission is to make a difference in how students and Staffulty see themselves and their potential.
Beth, Julie and Taylor will each receive a coffee tumbler and a lapel pin in recognition of their achievements.