ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Known as the “Little School with a Big Heart,” Orange Park Elementary has become a shining example of educational excellence in Florida. The school’s success can be attributed to a combination of love, passion, and strong parental involvement.
At the heart of this success are two dedicated teachers, Heidi White and Molly Geeser, who have been shaping young minds for over three decades.
Heidi, a 5th-grade math teacher with 38 years of experience, and Molly, a 5th-grade science teacher with 35 years of experience, have worked side by side, forming a dynamic duo that has left a lasting impact on their students.
“We have two very different personalities, and we complete each other,” Heidi shared with a laugh.
Their partnership is so strong that they even conducted their interview together, highlighting the deep bond they’ve formed over the years.
Orange Park Elementary is unique as a concept school with a lottery system, designed to draw students from various neighborhoods and offer parents more educational choices.
“We didn’t have enough students coming to this school because of the neighborhood, so they were trying to draw kids to this school,” Heidi explained.
Impressively, the school outperforms many others in the state, a testament to its innovative approach and community involvement.
Parents are required to volunteer at least nine hours a year, contributing to the school’s success by helping teachers clean up the campus and organize workbooks.
“The children see the parents' support and how they value education, and that shows up in the classroom,” Heidi noted. “When they know at home they are getting that same encouragement.”
For Heidi and Molly, teaching is more than a profession — it’s a passion.
“I love math. Doing math all day is just the best thing in the world,” Heidi said.
Molly echoed her sentiment, expressing her love for science.
The duo also emphasizes the importance of motivation and competition in the classroom.
“Our students love competition. Classes like to compete against each other, and prizes, they love that. A lot of it is getting them excited about it,” Heidi shared.
As they prepare for retirement, Heidi and Molly reflect on their journey together.
“We built a friendship. We started as colleagues and built a strong friendship over the years. We thought, what better way than to retire together in the next few years,” Molly said.
Their advice for future educators?
“Always look at what’s best for the kids. It’s not about what’s best for you, but what’s best for the kids. That is what decisions need to be based on,” Heidi advised.
Orange Park Elementary continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of its teachers, the involvement of its parents, and the love and passion that drive its success.
