A Science Teacher's Journey to Inspire

Barbara Brock, a science teacher at High Springs Community School, was awarded the Teacher of the Year title for Alachua County. This honor came after a long journey in education, starting in 2003. Brock was one of three finalists, competing with Robert Ryan McNickle from Buchholz High School and Katie Dawson from Meadowbrook Elementary. The award ceremony took place on January 22 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville. Brock's path to teaching wasn't straightforward. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a dentist, an author, an astronaut, a pilot, and a geologist. Though she didn't pursue these careers, they led her to a passion for science education. Before teaching, she worked in museums and ran her own science-focused toy store, FunDaMentals Science and Creativity Toy Store. This experience taught her that science is not just about textbooks but about questions and play.Her motivation to become a teacher came from her son, who once said science was boring. Determined to change this perception, Brock dedicated herself to making science engaging and fun. She created a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks, collaborate, and learn from their failures. At the award ceremony, Brock expressed gratitude to her students, colleagues, administrators, and her husband. She acknowledged the support that made her journey possible. Superintendent Kamela Patton and several school board members attended the event, highlighting the importance of recognizing dedicated educators. Brock and 38 other teachers received $500 each for their contributions. She will now represent Alachua County Public Schools at the statewide Teacher of the Year program later this year. This recognition is a testament to her commitment to inspiring young minds and making science accessible and enjoyable.