Dream it, believe it, do it: Angie Robins is River Heights Elementary’s Teacher of the Year
Most people don’t remember much from when they were five years old. But Angie Robins was inspired by the example of her kindergarten teacher and she desired from that young age to make a difference in the lives of children. She has pursued and achieved this dream and has been honored as the Teacher of the Year at River Heights Elementary.
Although this is Robins’ third year as a 5th-grade teacher at River Heights, she has been teaching for over 22 years. She even taught all five of her own children, with her youngest currently in her classroom.
Robins believes in the importance of goal setting and working hard to succeed. “Success is huge in my classroom,” she said. “I am always trying to give them the tools and talents to succeed and I tell them that they can achieve anything that they want. But, they have to work hard too. It’s not going to come easy. They have to earn it; it is always so much more rewarding if they can earn something than if it’s just given. If it’s earned, then they have that true success in meeting a goal.”
River Heights Principal Stephanie Adams praises Robins’ focus on helping her students to succeed. “Angie goes so far above and beyond for her students,” Adams explained. “She spends countless hours making sure that she is doing what is best for each and every one, no matter their abilities. She helps every child she interacts with to feel like they can and will succeed.”
Not only does Robins encourage her students, but her fellow teachers also feel inspired by her. She works hard to foster positive relationships with everyone on staff. One of her colleagues shared, “I’m grateful for Angie’s drive because it inspires me to be more energetic and creative in the way I introduce and teach new topics to my students. I want to be like her when I grow up.”
Robins hopes that her students leave her classroom empowered and ready to take on the world. “I want them to leave knowing that they can be anything that they want to be when they grow up. The sky’s the limit; there’s no end in sight.” She continued, “These kids can be successful in anything that they try. If you dream it, believe it, do it.”