Deedra Robinson, a teacher at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, has been named the Region 4 (Northern Virginia) Teacher of the Year.
The surprise announcement was made this afternoon (Wednesday) by Jenna Conway, Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, in front of an assembly of students, family members and Alexandria City Public Schools administrators. Robinson teaches 48 students in the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and plans to retire at the end of the school year.
“I love coming to work,” Robinson said after receiving the award. “That’s what I’ve done for 40 years, and the last five here at Jefferson-Houston have been the icing on the cake.”
Conway said that Robinson is a great teacher because she has not only taught children, but because she has mentored teachers and delivered professional development to educators in ACPS and across the country.
“She’s a nationally recognized AVID trainer and presenter, helping reach more than 3,000 educators,” Conway said.
Robinson was led to believe the ceremony was intended to highlight the AVID program. During Conway’s remarks, she realized that she was being named teacher of the year.
“When [Conway] started reading, I was like, ‘That’s me she’s talking about,'” Robinson said. “I was totally shocked.”
This is the second consecutive year an ACPS teacher has been named the Regional Teacher of the Year.
“Ms. Deedra Robinson represents the excellence, care and dedication that define ACPS, and we are proud to celebrate the meaningful impact she continues to make on her students and our community,” Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said.
Principal Adaarema Kelly said Robinson’s impact extends beyond the classroom.
“Through her leadership in Advancement Via Individual Determination and her deep belief in every student’s potential, she has created a culture of excellence, access and opportunity,” Kelly said. “She empowers students to see themselves as scholars and leaders, and that is the true mark of an extraordinary educator.”
Robinson spent most of her career teaching elementary, middle and high school in Hampton Roads. She said that she moved to Alexandria with her family to finish out her career.
“My style is to have my kids like they’re my own kids,” Robinson said. “I believe that’s the beginning of helping them to be the best that they can be and holding them accountable, but giving them the support they need so they can achieve.”
Robinson will now represent Region 4, Northern Virginia, in the statewide selection of Virginia Teacher of the Year.
Conway and Virginia Secretary of Education Jeffrey O. Smith are in town for a listening session with state and local elected officials. The session will be held at Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard Campus (3775 W. Braddock Road) at 6 p.m. tonight. Registration is available for families seeking to attend.
