Rebecca Rolle
Rebecca (Becky) R. is a passionate education leader serving as the Senior Coordinator of Instruction (Math) for the Polk County School Board. Her journey in education began while she was still in high school through a work experience program with the school system, and she continued along that path, advancing from administrative roles as a secretary and senior budget specialist to teaching. Becky earned her Teacher Certificate in business after completing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and she quickly discovered a love for teaching with the support of strong mentors who guided her early career.
Her commitment to professional growth led her to earn two Master of Science degrees from St. Thomas University—one in Education specializing in Reading and another in Educational Administration. Over the years, Becky taught in a variety of settings, served as a math interventionist and co-teacher, and eventually became a district coach. She chose to specialize in mathematics because of her passion for the subject and her desire to have a meaningful impact on student learning. In her current role, she works closely with teachers to plan instruction, align curriculum, and ensure students have the tools and support they need to succeed.
Known for her organizational skills, mentorship, and ability to motivate both students and staff, Becky has been recognized by peers and supervisors for her leadership and dedication. She actively contributes to initiatives that enhance classroom resources, instructional practices, and student engagement. Whether she is in the classroom, collaborating with educators, or coordinating district-level programs, Becky combines strategic oversight, hands-on support, and a genuine commitment to educational excellence, making a lasting impact on the Polk County community.
• Teacher Certificate in Business
• K-5 Elementary Math Elementary Test
• General Knowledge Test
• Professional Educator Test
• Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE)
• Reading Endorsement
• St. Thomas University - MS, Educational Administration
• Florida International University - BS, Business Administration/Public Administration
• Miami Dade College - AA, Business Administration and Management
• Dean's List, 2010
• National Honor Society, 2010
• Dean's List, 2008
• National Honor Society, 2008
• Dean's List, 2006
• Provided free after-school tutoring to struggling students
• Hosted lunch-time movie sessions for 5th graders to support lunch monitors
What do you attribute your success to?
I think about my own kids - my son and my daughter. My son was gifted but was a terror in school, and if a teacher can deal with my son, then I can deal with other people's kids. What really drove me into education was when my son went to 7th grade and a teacher told me on the first day that she didn't care how he'd changed, she was going to see him the same way. I said, hold on - you're supposed to look at each child and give them a brand new start every year, regardless of what happened the year before. That child is one year older. I called the principal and got my son moved because each child deserves a fresh start. So in thinking about that, my kids are my drive. When I was in the classroom, I never looked at students' files from previous years. My philosophy was, if I'm going to ask for it for my child, I'm going to provide that for every student in my classroom. I let them be their best self until they show me different. I told them when they walked through my classroom, whatever happened last year, let that stay in last year. Today is your day one, your new start. Parents appreciate that, and you should treat kids that way.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay out of the teacher's lounge. When I was transitioning from working in the district office to going into the classroom, my fiance's mother and sister-in-law, who were both educators, both told me the same thing - stay out of the teacher's room. Because it's nothing but trouble in there.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to have a heart for it. If you don't have passion for the kids, don't go into teaching, because kids will do and perform for a teacher that they like. If you're there just for a paycheck, they're not gonna like you - kids can tell that you're really not into it, and your kids are not gonna perform for you. You have to have a heart for kids. I tell my new teachers all the time, your parents send you the best child that they have that day. It may be a different child tomorrow, but it's the best child that day. We don't know what our kids are coming from when they're coming from home. They could not have eaten. You have to be able to fill in the gaps. If they're misbehaving, there's an underlying reason. You need to be that comfort that the kids can rely on, and they need to feel that they can trust you and talk to you. If you don't have a heart for kids, don't go into education, because you will be disappointed. It's a lot of work, but you have to be able and willing to do the work. You have to be there for your kids, not for the money, but for the kids, to make a difference.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include undervaluing teachers financially, heavy workloads, students arriving with unmet needs, and a gender imbalance in upper leadership roles. Opportunities include strengthening coaching and curriculum alignment and increasing women’s leadership and networking in education.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, student-centered care, giving students a fresh start, dedication, and willingness to sacrifice time and energy for students.