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Cantonment Man Honored By Governor For Dedication To Teaching

A Cantonment man  honored Tuesday by Gov. Rick Scott as he recognized two educators who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and students with the Governor’s Shine Award. The Shine Award is presented to Floridians who have helped children through education.

John Huber lives in Cantonment and teaches at Oakcrest Elementary School, and Luis Espinosa is from Broward County.

“It is an honor to thank Luis Espinosa and John Herber for their contributions both in and outside the classroom. The work they do today provides our students with the foundation for future success in college and careers. Great teachers like Luis and John are critical to ensuring Florida has a world-class education system and I thank them for their continued service,” Scott said Tuesday.

Huber was featured back in October on NorthEscambia.com after he received one of the People Teacher of the Year Awards and was featured in People magazine. That awards honors extraordinary educators who are changing the lives of their students and paving the way for a new generation of American leaders. He received $4,000 for the school and $1,000 personally.

Herber began teaching in Escambia County 15 years ago after graduating from the University of West Florida. Before he started teaching at Oakcrest Elementary School seven years ago, only 16 percent of the school’s fifth graders were considered proficient in science. Last year, 59 percent passed the test, more than the state or district average.

Herber has formed school-community partnerships to help enrich his classes, often bringing in experts to teach the children.

Off duty, he volunteers as a football and basketball coach so that kids who don’t qualify for varsity teams have the chance to play. His blue 2008 Subaru often serves as the “team bus”.

Herber’s wife Sammi is also involved in Escambia County education. She has worked as a speech pathologist for about 13 years, primarily in  North Escambia schools.

Pictured top: Cantonment resident John Herber  (green shirt) with Gov. Rick Scott and the members of the Florida Cabinet Tuesday in Tallahassee. Pictured inset and below: Herber hard at work at Oakcrest Elementary School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.