- December 20, 2024
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Kristin Robinson loves teaching kindergarten.
"I absolutely love being the children’s first teacher they will have in elementary school and setting the path for their educational career," Robinson said in a statement to the Observer. "It is important to me that I instill a love for learning in my students that will last a lifetime."
Robinson, who is Tomoka Elementary's Teacher of the Year, is in her 18th year teaching.
She wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember, she said.
"As a child, I looked up to my mother who was an elementary school teacher and wanted to become just like her," Robinson said. "I was blessed with amazing educators growing up throughout school that made an impact on my life, and I knew from early on, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. My students throughout the years, supportive leadership, and amazing colleagues inspire me every day."
Robinson graduated from Florida Southern College with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Her students keep her motivated every day, she said.
"Seeing those 'aha' moments and the sparkle on my students face when they grasp a new concept is what it’s all about," Robinson said. "Being a teacher is incredibly rewarding and to know I make a difference in their life means so much."
She's proud, honored and excited to represent Tomoka Elementary as its Teacher of the Year.
"Considering the many exceptional educators at Tomoka Elementary, my emotions range from shock to excitement," Robinson said. "Every day I see the hard work and dedication teachers pour out for their students, and receiving this recognition has been very humbling. I have the privilege to work with the most amazing people every day who inspire me to be my best."
Her daughter was part of the Teacher of the Year announcement and it'll be a memory Robinson said she'll never forget.
The recognition has also moved her to reflect on her 18-year career as an educator.
"This award was not achieved alone, but the product of being incredibly fortunate to have inspiring and motivational individuals in my corner," Robinson said. "From my family to college professors, to administrators and colleagues, all played timely and pivotable roles in my teaching career. A piece of this award belongs to many."
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching her two children play sports. She also loves the outdoors — running, hiking, paddleboarding, traveling and spending time at the beach. She's run several half marathons and said she aspires to run a full marathon one day.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is seeing the growth in her students as well as building relationship with them and their families. She also loves teaching them how to read and write, as it is a skill they'll have for the rest of their life, making it all the more rewarding, Robinson said.
"It is important to me that I know how my students learn and what their interests are to make those strong, meaningful connections," she said.
