ST. ANSGAR, IA - Kirby Moses teaches a pretty serious subject - eighth grade math.

"I'm getting them ready for high school math with Algebra One and Algebra Two," Moses explained.

So you won't catch this teacher cracking a smile.

"That's kind of our philosophy is, work, work work," he said.

But his kids take that philosophy with a grain of salt.

Student Kendra Nerad told KIMT News 3, "I think that he's probably the funnest teacher too."

You might not see it written on his face, but Moses said having fun is an important part of learning.  He admits Algebra is tough, but if it were easy, finding the answer wouldn't be quite as rewarding.

Moses said, "that's the fun part for me, getting them from the struggle point to the understanding point.  And all the sudden they realize, hey, this isn't so bad."

His students said he's there from point A to point B.

Melanie Adams commented, "he never turns you down when you ask for help."

And nothing stops Moses from being there for his kids.

"Last year his house burnt down, and he still came to school and put us first," Nerad said.

But Moses is humble about his career achievements.  He said anyone who's taught for more than 30 years deserves this just as much as he does.

"I suppose if you've been in it long enough, you're bound to get some recognition eventually," he added.