Bessie Belton

Bessie is a native of Duval County, Florida, and a proud graduate of the Duval County Public School System, where she completed her secondary education at New Stanton. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

After many years of classroom instruction and educational leadership, Bessie further expanded her professional expertise by earning a specialty degree in Workplace Management and Supervision from the University of West Florida in Pensacola.

Bessie devoted 38 years to public education as a teacher, shaping generations of students through her commitment to academic excellence and personal development. In addition to her K–12 career, she served as an adjunct professor of business systems and technology at Florida Community College for 21 years, helping prepare students for careers in business and technology.

Now retired, Bessie enjoys a fulfilling life centered on reading, bowling, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. She is the proud mother of one precious and devoted daughter, and her lifelong dedication to education and mentorship continues to reflect her deep commitment to community and learning.