LECANTO, Fla. — This week’s A+ Teacher has former students who are now in their late 40s and 50s.
Bob LeCours has been teaching for decades, sharing his love of US History with thousands of teenagers.
But his own rich history motivates him to do even more for his Lecanto High School students and colleagues.
That also includes serving as the school’s driver’s education teacher as well.
What You Need To Know
- Bob LeCours teaches US History at Lecanto High School
- A 30-year plus teacher, LeCours also serves as the school's Driver's Ed teacher
- Want to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here for more, and to view previous stories
"Driver's Ed in the summer, we put them through a very strict regiment,” LeCours said. “8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day, chapter after chapter, discussion after discussion, quiz after quiz."
While shaping the habits of teen drivers, LeCours is getting a sense of their maturity and helping to protect our community.
"Unfortunately, in my 30 years, I've seen some of my students prior to teaching Driver's Ed, suffer casualties and deaths, and that stuck with me,” he said. “Going to a funeral of one of my students or actually 2 or 3 of them, bothered me and when they asked me if I would be interested in Driver's Ed, and I thought I could make a difference.
“Yes, I jumped at the opportunity. I want these students to understand this isn't a video game. There is no reset."
He’s seen and done it all.
LeCours' passion for teaching is so strong in Citrus County, you'll find him working year round.
That includes Driver's Ed this summer, Social Studies department head and US History teacher this fall.
His staff and students find him just as engaging.
"I just like the way he interacts with all the students,” said teaching assistant Iain Dimech. “(He) makes all the jokes, and I like the way he lectures as well."
"He makes me so happy to come to class and learn stuff,” said Lecanto student Julia Harrigan. “He always makes it really fun."
It all comes natural to LeCours, who had a master teacher himself. His mother spent 42 years as a teacher and now, even his daughter is an educator.
"Inherently, I've never seen really a bad kid,” LeCours said. “We all grow up, we have different challenges and my job is not only to educate them curriculum wise, but also help them face their challenges and how to grow with it."