Menifee’s McBee, Animatronics Instructor
MENIFEE – It has become a fun surprise schoolyear event for recognized teachers and their students. Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, drops in unannounced to honor a “Teacher of the Year.”
Over the years, the traditional disciplines have been represented, from math and English to science and automatic technology
Last week Dr. Gomez diverted from the usual when he stepped into a middle school classroom at Harvest Hill STEAM Academy in Menifee Union School District to name animatronics teacher Misty McBee, as the final 2025 Riverside County Teacher of the Year. She is the first animatronics teacher in the county to receive that honor.
“Ms. McBee’s innovative spirit is exemplified in her development of a middle school animatronics program,” said Dr. Edwin Gomez, during the surprise visit. “This program which started with just a set of state standards and laptops, was crafted to provide students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences that prepare our students for the future.”
“I just love what I do and working with all of my students,” Misty said immediately following the surprise visit. “Everyone here just makes this job so fun and actually very easy sometimes. So to me, all of this just feels like a normal day.”
McBee describes her current position as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) educator as a dream come true. When Harvest Hill STEAM Academy needed a teacher to create a course to activate the district’s investment in a new Garner Holt Animatronics Lab, Misty created the curriculum, enlisted volunteers for supplies, and recruited students into what has become one of the most popular electives on the middle school campus.
McBee’s classroom is defined by facilitated learning, real-life problem-solving, adaptability, and other vital skills transferable to any 21st century career pursuit. She regularly integrates exhibitions of learning that simultaneously foster a spirit of collaboration and creativity, while enhancing school culture and showcasing student achievement and recognition. She encourages community involvement through pet adoption, and leads the Saturday STEAM Academy at the school—an optional learning activity that has become popular with students.
Her colleagues describe her as “a teacher leader who not only teaches and leads with passion, but also inspires the curiosity and desire to learn for her students.” Her principal describes how visits to her classroom often go unnoticed due to the focus of deeply engaged students.
McBee’s education includes a master’s degree in education from National University, and a bachelor’s degree in science from Northern Arizona University. She also earned authorizations and certificates in computer concepts and applications, along with cross-cultural language and academic development.
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