11-02-2025
W.R. Tolar K-8 teacher inspires all who she encounters
BRISTOL, Fla. (WMBB) – Deborah Jacobs is in the midst of her 4th year teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at W.R. Tolar K-8 up in Bristol.
A constant ray of sunshine around the campus she is always sure to bring a helpful and inspirational attitude into her classroom each day.
'For me, it's like seeing that kind of light bulb come on, and when they get it and when they're excited about it,' said Jacobs. 'So it's really about teaching them to believe in themselves and giving them the opportunity to grow and to shine and to feel just proud of themselves.'
That positive, can-do attitude not only rubs off on the students but the faculty as well.
'She makes you want to be here,' added W.R. Tolar K-8 Math teacher Samantha Newsome. 'She makes you want to come in and enjoy being with the kids. She is always positive, uplifting, even for her coworkers, not just her students. So it's always a pleasure coming to work.'
No one can say Jacobs isn't dedicated to her job as she drives over an hour each way to get to and from W.R. Tolar every day, and there is a good reason why she does it.
'I drive from Wakulla County every day, but it's well worth the drive,' Jacobs went on to say. 'People ask me all the time, like, 'Why don't you want to work over there?' I'm like, I'm just drawn to the kids and the people here.'
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For some that commute may seem crazy, but when you learn who some of her co-workers are everything becomes clear.
'If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't get to see them as often,' said Joey Jacobs who is not only a teacher at the school, but Deborah's father as well. 'It's a blessing because I get to see them every weekday, Monday through Friday. I know I get to see my kids'
Not only is Deborah lucky enough to work closely with her father, but her sister works at the school as well.
For those closest to her it's truly an honor getting to see Deborah teach every day.
'It's getting to watch her do what I believe she's called to do. I believe that. Just getting to see her interact with those kids and you can just see her lift them up,' said Joey Jacobs. 'I mean, it's just the best way to describe it. She's such an uplifting person and presence in all of their lives.'
'She always makes them feel like when they come into that room or they encounter her that they are one in a million,' Newsome went on to say. 'It doesn't matter if she's taught them before, teaching them this year. It's always all about them, and I think that's a reflection of how big her heart is.'
That is what makes Deborah Jacobs a Class Act.
If there is someone out there who you think is a Class Act don't hesitate to nominate them today.
Everyone who works in a school system is eligible for this award.
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