Mission Viejo, CA – The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national non-union, professional educator association serving teachers in all fifty states, enthusiastically congratulates 19-year teaching veteran Rodney Robinson on his being recognized as the 2019 National Teacher of the Year.

“Rodney Robinson’s commitment to ‘students first’ in everything he does is an inspiration to all teachers and exemplifies our vision of a student-oriented teaching profession,” said AAE Executive Director Colin Sharkey. “Rodney’s personal commitment to his students will inspire a generation of teachers and his goal of educational equity for all students is one we can all support.”

Since 2015, Rodney Robinson has taught grades 6-12 at the Virgie Binford Education Center in Richmond, Virginia. The facility is housed within the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center. His whole child approach to working with his students has garnered him recognition through numerous academic publications and national awards, as well as a position as a member of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney’s Education Compact Team with a focus on the recruitment of underrepresented male teachers. A life-long resident of Virginia, Robinson became a teacher to honor his mother who faced personal struggles in receiving an education due to the segregation and poverty of rural Virginia.

Sharkey added, “We look forward to working with Rodney to advance the teaching profession and advocate for students. We thank Mandy Manning, Sydney Chaffee, Rep. Jahana Hayes, and all of the previous winners and finalists in the teacher of the year program who continue to serve the profession after their term has ended.”

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) facilitates the selection of the National Teacher of the Year. Association of American Educators counts among its current and retired members several former National Teachers of the Year and numerous state teachers of the year.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, non-union, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student-oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $16.50 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources and many other benefits. Visit aaeteachers.org for further information.

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