FGCU grad inspired by STEM education named Lee County Teacher of the Year
5 – minute read
For Barbara Rebeor, teaching isn’t just a passion — it’s a calling.
Rebeor had pursued a different career — in nursing — before becoming a stay-at-home parent changed her life. In 2005, she returned to Florida Gulf Coast University to pursue a degree in integrated studies so she could become a teacher.
“Looking back, it’s surprising that I initially tried to take a different path. But in the end I couldn’t ignore the pull toward education,” she said. “For me, teaching isn’t just what I do. It’s who I am, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
With such a strong attraction to the profession, it’s no wonder Rebeor was recently named 2025 Lee County Teacher of the Year. Every year, the School District of Lee County recognizes one individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. Rebeor has taught in the district for 20 years and won the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools’ Golden Apple award in 2013. She teaches eighth-grade science at Harns Marsh Middle School in Lehigh Acres.
“This is for our school, our team and our kids,” Rebeor said just after being surprised with the award in December. “These kids inspire me every single day. Their creativity, their quest for discovery. They make it so easy to want more for them. This team here challenges me every day, inspires me, pushes me and supports me.”
Under her leadership as department chair, the school’s science department ranked No. 1 in the district in 2022 and No. 2 in 2023 and 2024.
“She has created a model classroom where other teachers go to witness research-proven strategies in action,” said Samantha Hower, Harns Marsh assistant principal. “Her students achieve some of the highest learning gains.”
The importance of STEM education
Rebeor credits some of her success to the strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) she gained at FGCU, which allowed her to explore multiple disciplines.
“Studying science helped me develop a strong foundation in critical thinking; psychology helped me understand people and behavior; and literature sharpened my ability to communicate ideas effectively,” Rebeor said. “Now, as a science teacher, I get to bring all of those interests together in a way that makes learning meaningful for my students.”
Her favorite part was the challenge of tackling complex ideas and making sense of them.
“I loved the intellectual side of science — the process of questioning, analyzing data and making connections across disciplines. That’s what drew me to STEM in the first place, and it’s what keeps me passionate about teaching it now,” she said.
Rebeor’s biggest piece of advice for student and teachers in STEM is to stay curious and persistent.
“STEM is all about solving problems and pushing boundaries, which means there will be challenges along the way, but that’s true for everyone. The key is to approach those challenges with confidence, knowing that your voice and perspective bring value to the field.”
Inspiring teachers for SW Florida
Another aspect of her experience at FGCU that had a lasting impact, Rebeor said, was University Colloquium. The required course introduces students to the complexities of developing the sustainable societal patterns each will face as they launch their careers. Faculty members from every college as well as members of the community join students from all majors for discussion in the classroom and experiential learning in the community.
“Living in Southwest Florida, we have such a unique and beautiful natural landscape, and these courses emphasize the importance of understanding and appreciating it,” said Rebeor. “They even incorporate field trips — nature walks and visits to local ecosystems — that encourage students to engage with the environment in ways they might not have otherwise.”
Seeing how FGCU introduced students to the value of these places was formative, she said.
“It reinforced the idea that education isn’t just about what happens in a classroom — it’s about fostering curiosity, awareness and a connection to the world around us,” Rebeor said. “That philosophy is something I carry into my own teaching, helping students see that learning isn’t confined to four walls but is all around them, waiting to be explored,” she said.
The ripple effect of Rebeor’s FGCU education is shared and multiplied by her teaching peers throughout Southwest Florida. Lee County employs 317 graduates of FGCU’s College of Education, according to the college’s latest data, while Collier County employs 149. The 100% employment rate for College of Education graduates shows how FGCU is helping address the need for more teachers.
Rebeor’s advice to them is to embrace the unexpected, to balance a well-planned lesson with flexibility, creativity and a sense of humor. Outside the classroom, she emphasized the importance of building relationships, leaning on fellow teachers and mentors, and collaborating with colleagues.
“Some of the best teaching moments happen when things don’t go as planned. Learning to adapt — whether to a change in schedule, a tricky concept or a student who needs extra support — is one of the most valuable skills you can develop,” she said. “At the end of the day, teaching is more than a profession — it’s a journey of learning, growth and impact. So stay open, stay curious and remember that even on the hardest days, you are making a difference.”