ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 2, 2019)—National PTA congratulates Rodney Robinson on his recognition as the 2019 National Teacher of the Year. Robinson teaches social studies and history to students at Virgie Binford Education Center, a school inside the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center in Virginia. He is being honored this week in the nation’s capital, along with all 2019 State Teachers of the Year.

“The Teacher of the Year program is an important opportunity to recognize teachers for the pivotal role they play in children’s lives and futures,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “National PTA congratulates Rodney on being named the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, and we applaud all of the 2019 State Teachers of the Year for everything they do to ensure every child reaches their full potential.”

Robinson, a 19-year teaching veteran, uses the whole child approach to education to help the students who are the most vulnerable. His classroom is a partnership between himself and his students, and he provides a civic-centered education that promotes social-emotional growth. Robinson also uses the knowledge he has gained from his students to develop alternative programs to prevent students from entering the school-to-prison pipeline.

As the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, Robinson will be a voice for the students who are the most vulnerable and will help lead a conversation about how the nation can address the school-to-prison pipeline. He will also focus on advocating for equity in education and education funding to ensure every student is provided a high-quality education that addresses their individual needs from highly trained teachers in 21st century school buildings.   

Robinson was chosen as National Teacher of the Year from among the State Teachers of the Year by a national selection committee representing leading education organizations, including National PTA. Each year, the National Teacher of the Year addresses attendees during National PTA’s Annual Convention & Expo.

In addition to being a part of the National Teacher of the Year Program, National PTA designates the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate and give thanks to teachers for making a difference in children’s well-being and long-term success.

“Like the Teacher of the Year program, Teacher Appreciation Week is an important time to shine a light on teachers and thank them for all they do to help children reach for the stars,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA Executive Director. “We hope everyone will join us during Teacher Appreciation Week in celebrating and showing gratitude to teachers for their work and impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom—'Out of this World.’”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.