Rodney Robinson has been named as the newest National Teacher of the Year. Robinson teaches social studies at a juvenile detention facility in Richmond, Virginia.

While all of the four finalists are inspirational, Robinson’s ability to empower students experiencing trauma set him apart. Not only does Robinson teach facts, he helps students who might be dismissed by others to become civically-minded and how to promote positive changes in their community. He says that even though his students may have made mistakes, they’re paying for those mistakes and deserve a second chance.

Robinson credits his mother with giving him the values that have led to this award. Of his mother, Robinson says, “She always taught us that every child deserves the proper amount of love that he or she needs. So that was my first lesson in equity.”

Virginia governor Ralph Northam says, “Rodney is a remarkable teacher and mentor to his students,” and “he personifies the Commonwealth’s commitment to making sure that every student, no matter who they are or where they live, has access to the educational services and supports necessary to succeed in school and in life.”

Once named, National Teachers of the Year spend the year advocating for educational issues that are close to them. Robinson says he will be focusing his efforts on creating equitable education for all students and improving how men of color are recruited into the field of education.

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