We offer a hearty congratulations to Rodney A. Robinson, Virginia’s 2019 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Robinson was awarded the prestigious honor at a ceremony Tuesday night in Richmond.

The Richmond Free Press featured him in November 2017 following his selection as Richmond Public Schools 2018 Teacher of the Year.

The 40-year-old, who comes from humble beginnings, has a sure passion for education and teaching youngsters, even in the most dire of circumstances. Since 2015, he has taught history and social studies at the Virgie Binford Education Center, a school located inside the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.

He works hard and enjoys an assignment that many others would shy away from, inspiring young people to learn and become their better selves. 

“All students can learn,” he says. “It is up to the stakeholders of the school to provide the students with all the tools they may need to learn,” he told the Free Press in 2017.

“The more difficult the concept or topic, the more fun I try to make it,” Mr. Robinson said at the time. “When students are entertained, learning can rarely feel like learning. Through the use of games and music, student learning can be dramatically increased. I allow my students to create songs, skits and poems to help them better understand difficult concepts.” 

What he’s doing apparently is working.

Mr. Robinson, who was one of eight regional teachers of the year, was selected as the state’s top teacher after being interviewed by a committee that included representatives of professional and educational associations and the business community.

He now goes on as Virginia’s representative for consideration as National Teacher of the Year.

We wish Mr. Robinson continued success in the classroom and in other areas of his life. While teaching isn’t magic, perhaps the strategies and techniques he uses with his students can be replicated for success throughout the public schools in Richmond and the surrounding areas.

We are happy to have his talent paving the way for our city’s youths.