FGCU shapes award-winning teachers and education leaders
- Rachel Robles
- College of Education
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos
7 – minute read
At Florida Gulf Coast University, excellence in education is more than a mission — it’s a legacy carried forward by graduates who transform classrooms and communities across Southwest Florida.
FGCU graduate student Laurel Blackburn and alum Brittany Crouss exemplify that impact, recently earning top teaching honors in their school districts. Their journeys, shaped by early experiences with teachers who believed in them and by their preparation in FGCU’s College of Education, reflect the profound influence educators can have when they lead with empathy, purpose and unwavering belief in a student’s potential.
Laurel Blackburn
2026 Lee County Teacher of the Year
As an eighth grader, Laurel Blackburn believed she wasn’t good at math. It was a subject she felt was beyond her reach — until a teacher stepped in and changed her life.
“My teacher didn’t just teach me equations; they taught me that I was capable. They shifted my mindset from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I love this,’” said Blackburn.
“That transformation is why I chose math as my focus. I wanted to be that bridge for other students who feel intimidated by numbers, showing them that math is a language they are more than capable of speaking.”
She began to put her newfound passion into action as a high school peer tutor, which inspired her love for service. It opened her eyes to the fact that many students lack basic necessities, such as food, clean clothes and a stable place to study.
Today, Blackburn is bringing these two worlds together as west region math coach in the School District of Lee County’s Department of Curriculum & Instructional Innovation — and as an FGCU grad student pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration.
“My time in the educational leadership program is helping me move from individual advocacy to systemic impact,” she said. “Even as a remote student, the program’s connection to my district allows me to apply these lessons in real-time.”
Being able to complete her master’s online this spring has been “a game-changer” for Blackburn, allowing her to balance her professional responsibilities in the classroom while applying what she was learning to her real-world work, using her school environment as “a laboratory for growth.”
“Even though I wasn’t walking the physical campus, I felt a strong sense of community through collaborative digital forums and shared professional goals,” she said.
GOLDEN APPLE WINNERS
FGCU alumni were recently recognized with Golden Apple awards:
LEE COUNTY
Joseph Giangreco, a music teacher at The Sanibel School.
Quinn Schnabel, eighth-grade language arts teacher at Diplomat Middle School in Cape Coral.
COLLIER COUNTY
Stephanie Scalise, third-grade teacher at Veterans Memorial Elementary in Naples.
Blackburn is deeply involved in her school community. She mentors new teachers, leads teams, supports professional development, and works closely with students, families and community partners. Her faith is central to her life and influences how she leads and serves others, she said.
“Laurel Blackburn represents the absolute pinnacle of educational leadership,” said Rob Cooper, the school district’s regional director for Academic and Student Services. “She is a teacher who has not only mastered pedagogy but who consistently elevates student outcomes through genuine empowerment and innovation. She embodies the spirit of unwavering dedication, never giving up on her students’ potential or on the excellence of her fellow teachers.”
Blackburn credited FGCU for propelling her to become the teacher she is today.
“The program emphasized collaboration, reflection and continuous growth, which are all values I still carry with me today as an instructional leader,” Blackburn said.
Her advice for other teachers is to take every field experience seriously because “that’s where you truly learn the craft of teaching and leading.”
“Build relationships with your professors and peers; they will become your support system. Be open to feedback, stay flexible and remember your ‘why,’” she said. “Teaching is challenging, but it is also one of the most meaningful careers you can choose.”
Brittany Crouss
2026 Collier County Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Like Blackburn, Brittany Crouss experienced a turning point in her early school years thanks to a dedicated teacher. In second grade, she struggled academically, but her teacher recognized her potential and helped build her confidence.
“She made learning fun and meaningful, and I looked up to her so much,” said Crouss. “I promised myself that one day I would be ‘that’ teacher for someone else — the one who sees a child’s potential and never lets them doubt their worth.”
Growing up, she enjoyed mentoring younger children, working as a part-time nanny in high school and taking early childhood education classes that let her teach pre-kindergarten students who visited campus. Ultimately, she earned an elementary education degree at FGCU in 2007.
“What I enjoy most about teaching is the opportunity to truly impact a child’s life,” Crouss said. “I love being part of their journey and helping spark a genuine love for learning. My goal is always to create lifelong learners rooted in kindness and confidence.”
Another reason she continues to love what she does, Crouss said, is the school — Lely Elementary — and the district where she works.
“I have been with Collier County Public Schools and Lely Elementary since the day I graduated from FGCU,” she said. “The staff there have mentored, supported and inspired me, and they truly feel like family. They are a big reason why I continue to pour my heart into this profession every single day.”
FGCU gave her many opportunities to grow as a leader, she said.
“Through student government and my involvement in Greek life, where I held several chair positions in Tri Delta, I learned how to manage multiple responsibilities, work collaboratively and lead with confidence,” Crouss said. “Those experiences prepared me for the many roles teachers take on each day — educator, leader, mentor and organizer.”
Her advice for future teachers at FGCU? Step outside their comfort zones and get involved in activities outside of required coursework.
“Explore areas you may have never considered before. Engage in the wide variety of educational experiences available — including unique opportunities like the outdoor Everglades courses,” said Crouss. “Those hands-on, engaging experiences will inspire the kind of teaching you’ll want to bring into your own classroom one day. They certainly did for me.”
Echoing Blackburn, she also emphasized remembering the “why” of teaching — the reason to keep going when things get tough.
“My ‘why’ has always been my students. What can I do each day to help them grow, succeed and become the very best version of themselves?” Crouss said. “When you hold onto your purpose, it will carry you through even the hardest moments.”