CBS12 News recently spotlighted Hobe Sound Elementary School teacher Barbara Cagni in its Teacher Feature series, recognizing her for her forward-thinking instructional approach and leadership within the Martin County School District.
With 13 years of teaching experience, 12 of them in fourth grade at Hobe Sound Elementary, Cagni has become known for her ability to keep students engaged during a pivotal developmental stage. Her teaching style blends structure with creativity, allowing students to thrive both academically and socially.
Cagni regularly incorporates Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) strategies into her instruction, providing students with daily opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, and build effective communication skills. These practices help prepare students not only for the next grade level, but also for future academic and real-world challenges.
In addition to BTC, Cagni embraces 21st-century teaching tools, including the responsible and creative use of artificial intelligence (AI). She integrates AI into lessons to deepen students’ understanding of STEM concepts and enhance critical thinking. During a recent classroom activity, students used AI to explore engineering and geometry by interacting with a virtual version of Gustave Eiffel as they designed models inspired by the Eiffel Tower. These types of projects help students connect classroom content to real-world applications in a way that feels both relevant and exciting.
Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of Cagni’s classroom environment. Whether constructing models, tackling group projects, or engaging in inquiry-based STEM lessons, her students gain a solid foundation in problem-solving, collaboration, and applied knowledge.
Beyond the classroom, Cagni serves as a leader within the school community. She tutors students, leads the school’s leadership team, and coaches the Odyssey of the Mind team, an international creative problem-solving competition. Under her guidance, the team recently earned second place at regionals.
Cagni was nominated for the Teacher Feature by Hobe Sound Elementary Principal Trisha Elliott, who praised her active leadership, strong instructional practices, and unwavering dedication to students. Her work reflects a deep belief in the potential of every child and a commitment to helping students grow in both skill and confidence.