Bobby Coston – Campbell Park Elementary

July 31, 2023

Bobby Coston knows he is right where he is supposed to be.

After teaching at Maximo Elementary for the past eight years - two as a paraprofessional and six as a math and science teacher - Coston is starting the 2023-2024 school year as a behavior coach at Campbell Park Elementary School, where he will work with students of all grade levels.

Coston attended the ECET-2 (Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers) conference earlier this month and after being surrounded by veteran educators from across the district, he feels confident and excited to embark on the new school year.

“We face students who come from different backgrounds. We face students who face many challenges from a very early age,” Coston said. “We face many students who just need somebody to let them know, ‘Hey, I’m here for you and I understand what you’re going through.’”

Coston grew up near Campbell Park Elementary and said he feels at home on his new campus. He most looks forward to supporting teachers in his new role.

“This is a place where I believe she supports her teachers and wants to help them grow,” he said of Principal Kathleen Parker. “And that’s what I’m about.”

Coston went to Rawlings Elementary, Azalea Middle School and graduated from Boca Ciega High School. He specifically remembers a math teacher his sophomore year telling him that if he wanted to obtain something he had to work hard.

“A lot of great people influenced me along my journey in Pinellas County that eventually brought me back here,” Coston said. “Full circle.”