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Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
WEDNESDAYS • May 1, 2019
Richmond & Hampton Roads
LEGACYNEWSPAPER.COM • FREE
Nation’s finest teacher ERICA NAONE
The walls of the Virgie Binford Education Center, which serves kids housed in the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, are covered with images of famous African Americans — scientists, politicians, writers and others. Walking past the security checkpoint on the way to his classroom, Rodney Robinson explains that he posted the pictures to counteract the bare, institutional walls that had been there before. For the past four years, Robinson, who earned a master's degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education, has taught history of all types to students in sixth to 12th grades, often together in the same class. Many of the students who arrive at the center haven’t been to class regularly in years, for reasons including chronic absenteeism or chaotic life circumstances that have caused school enrollment to fall through the cracks. Robinson sees one of his main duties as helping them deal with trauma and confusion enough to reset and get on track. “It’s hard. A lot of our kids are far behind. I always say, ‘You don’t just end up here. It’s a path you travel,’” Robinson said. He works with other educators at the center to create a plan for the students. In the meantime, he works to change their relationship to the classroom. “When was the last time you received positive attention at school?” he often asks. He has assigned projects such as
Rodney Robinson, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, stands in the hallway of the Virgie Binford Education Center, which he has decorated with photos of inspiring African Americans. PHOTO: Rodney Robinson researching the cultures behind Marvel’s popular “Black Panther” movie or researching universities. He also steers them toward books and historical perspectives that could help them learn to advocate for themselves. His work has earned increasing recognition. He was named Teacher of the Year for the Richmond region in September 2018 and the 2018-19
Virginia Teacher of the Year. On Wednesday, Robinson was named National Teacher of the Year. Robinson, who has taught in Richmond area public schools since 2000, was recruited to the Binford Education Center by its principal, Ta’Neshia Ford, a fellow graduate of the School of Education. Before taking charge of the center, Ford had worked with Robinson
at Armstrong High School in Richmond. “I saw firsthand his passion for at-risk students, his love of history and his mentorship for our male students,” she said. “It is so powerful to see his interactions with young men of color. As a historian, Rodney’s ability to bring full circle
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