Strength in Team Staff Spotlight: Teresa Morley, Wickliffe Progressive School

In this biweekly staff spotlight, we will be highlighting the people who contribute to the strength of our team by making our schools and our district such a special place for students. 

Teresa Morley, Head Building Secretary, Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School

How do you contribute to your school/department and the school district as a whole? As the first person people see when they walk into the building, I want everyone to be greeted with a friendly smile and feel truly welcome. I support students by answering questions, guiding them to the right resources, and making sure they feel comfortable and heard.  I also support our principal with a wide variety of tasks and try to take items off her plate whenever I can.  

In addition, my years of involvement as an OAPSE leader have allowed me to support our classified staff in many meaningful ways. This has included participating in negotiations, collaborating and planning with the administrative team, and advocating for staff needs and concerns across the district. 

What inspires you / motivates you in your role? I’m naturally a positive person, and I genuinely enjoy helping others. What motivates me is knowing that even small interactions can make someone’s day a little easier or brighter. I love being part of creating a warm, supportive, and well-functioning school community, and it’s fulfilling to know my work helps our students, families, and staff feel cared for and supported.

What is a memorable moment, or your proudest moment, in the 24½ years you have been with UA Schools? It’s hard to narrow this down to just one moment, because my years in Upper Arlington have been filled with so many meaningful experiences and amazing people. I’ve had the opportunity to work in five different buildings and built lasting relationships along the way. I’m especially grateful for the wonderful colleagues I’ve worked with across the district—shout-out to my former lunch crew (Stephen, Joe . . . ) at the high school, the entire staff at Wickliffe who work tirelessly to support students in so many ways, and the amazing secretaries throughout the district. It’s truly been a special and rewarding journey.

What brings you joy outside of work? Spending time with my family brings me the most joy. I have three adult children and five grandchildren, ranging in age from 2½ to 13, and we love watching them grow and develop their own interests. I also enjoy reading, and in the summer, I especially love spending time working in my flower gardens. 

Reflections from Wickliffe Principal Angela Evans on Teresa: Teresa has made an incredible contribution to our Wickliffe community. Over the years, she has truly become the face of our front office, greeting students, families, and staff with warmth, positivity, and genuine care. Her love for children, her supportive presence, and her steady partnership with families are qualities that have shaped the heart of our school. These are gifts we have deeply appreciated and will miss as she steps into retirement.

Teresa has devoted her time, energy and talent to making Wickliffe the very best it can be. We are grateful for her hard work, her commitment to our community, and the joy she brings to her role each day. While we are sad to see her retire, we are also excited for her as she begins her next adventure, and we hope to welcome her back into the building from time to time as a substitute.