“I was both surprised and excited,” McAuley said. “Being announced at the HOCO pep rally and having my wife show up was icing on the cake.” 

For McAuley, the award is meaningful because “It is always nice to be acknowledged by your peers,” as he states. “This is an incredible faculty with many great teachers, and to know they voted for me as their representative is a great honor.” 

McAuley’s success this year went beyond the school level. After being named Gulf Breeze High’s Teacher of the Year, he advanced to the district’s Teacher of the Year consideration and was among the top 5 nominations from local schools before the final countywide winner was selected. 

District recognition typically involves teachers from every school in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with only a few finalists moving on to the next round of the county and state competition.  McAuley has been teaching for many years and says his style was shaped early in his career by a mentor teacher in North Carolina named Steve McAdams. 

“He helped me with pacing and expectations,” McAuley recalled. “Students can do mighty things.” 

Those high expectations continue to define McAuley’s classroom. When describing his teaching style, he used two words: “Not soft.” He added that he believes students succeed when they are challenged. 

“The most important predictor of success is grit,” McAuley stated. “I live that and try to teach it.” 

He believes effort and mindset matter more than comfort, and that boredom is a choice. He said his passion for teaching is what keeps students engaged, even on difficult days. 

Rather than focusing on one specific lesson, McAuley said his proudest moments came years later, when former students returned and said his class influenced their academic choices. 

For McAuley, the most rewarding part of teaching is helping students realize what they are capable of. He explained that every teacher has moments when they know they have made a difference, usually by respecting students and pushing them to grow. 

McAuley believes Gulf Breeze is a strong academic community, “Students crave structure,” he stated. “Our students typically have solid skills. Most need to develop a work ethic to match.” 

He also credited the school community for supporting education. 

“I do feel that the community values academics and most families have high expectations for their students,” he said. 

What makes a great teacher, well, according to McAuley, it comes down to expectations: “One of the greatest gifts a teacher can bestow is the gift of high expectations,” he explained. 

Outside the classroom, McAuley says students might be surprised to learn that he once served as president of the Interfraternity Council during his college years. His favorite school memory is also tied to this year’s award, which was having his wife by his side at the pep rally as he was announced Teacher of the Year. 

Looking ahead, McAuley hopes students remember more than just classwork.

“I hope students realize that they must read and think deeply in order for society to survive,” he said. “Question everything.”