Exclusive to Middleton is Mr. Ploor.  

Mr. Ploor is the United States leading authority on Game Design Education.  

Mr. Ploor has had 72 textbooks published and distributed to over 600 school districts in the US.  He has been a paid consultant to many school districts in Florida, California, Texas, New York, and more.  He was also involved in drafting the State Standards for Game Design in Florida, Texas, New York, California, Nevada, Illinois and Maryland.

You can take an IT course somewhere else, but there is only one original!

A Microsoft Outstanding Educator has students placing in the top 10 in state and national competitions.  Only 10 in the State of Florida!

Allow me to introduce you to Ms. LaFountain, a distinguished figure in the field of education with a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Born and raised in Hillsborough County, she has truly made a lasting impact on the educational landscape. 

Ms. LaFountain has been a dedicated Business Education teacher at Middleton for an impressive 20 years. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation in her teaching methods, which have not only enriched the lives of her students but have also influenced the broader educational community. Her unique and forward-thinking approaches to education caught the attention of Hillsborough County, leading to the establishment of the Urban Teaching Academy, where she served as the program's lead teacher. This program has proven to be a cornerstone in shaping the future of education in the area. 

As a proud graduate of Hillsborough County schools herself, Ms. LaFountain's connection to her community runs deep. She understands the unique needs and challenges faced by the students and strives to provide them with the best possible opportunities for growth and success. 

Ms. LaFountain's dedication goes beyond the conventional as she is one of only two teachers in the entire district entrusted with teaching Computer Fundamentals. Her expertise in this area equips students with crucial skills for the digital age, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world. 

Furthermore, her commitment to enhancing the educational experience doesn't stop there. Ms. LaFountain played an instrumental role in expanding the curriculum by introducing Graphic Artist courses. This addition not only fosters artistic talents but also empowers students to express themselves creatively and professionally. 

In summary, Ms. LaFountain's tireless dedication, innovative teaching methods, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of her students and the educational community make her a true luminary in the field of education. Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of education in Hillsborough County and beyond.

Mr. Cockrell is a veteran teacher and has taught Game Design courses at multiple levels during his time at Middleton. His creativity, enthusiasm and innovative teaching methods create an environment where students can build skills necessary for industry standards.

Mr. Cockrell teaches classes that feature 3D art and animation as well as several computer programming courses.