Robin Casey

Carver Elementary
Mt. Olive, NC

Robin Casey’s energy and enthusiasm is present in every single email and interaction we have with her. She’s one of the fabulous adopters that we’ve been fortunate enough to meet and we have thoroughly enjoyed building a relationship with her. Robin’s students are lucky to have such a dedicated teacher and we are thrilled that she gives The Walking Classroom “two thumbs up!”

1. Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

I was born in Lenoir County and grew up in a small town named LaGrange, NC.

2. How long have you been teaching, and why did you decide to become a teacher?

I started teaching right out of college. This is my 19th year. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school.

3. When have you been your “best self” as a teacher? (In other words, describe a classroom experience when you felt prouder of yourself than any other time) Do not be modest – teachers need to celebrate their accomplishments!!

I always try to put myself in the students’ shoes. I spend hours on Sunday afternoon going through my standards and skills and my plans for delivery of presentation that would best suit the needs of my students. If I have fun planning it, usually they have fun understanding and receiving the lesson. I try to create a classroom culture in which the students understand that we are ALL learners. When I have an “AHA” moment and make a connection with the lesson, I share it with them. In doing so, they in turn feel comfortable sharing connections that they made as well.

One of my “best self” moments was when I earned my National Board Certification in 2013. My certification is in Early/Middle Childhood Literacy. When I began the process I scored a level 1 on my writing entry. I tried my best to wrap my head around what I had done wrong. Finally, on year three of my journey, I decided to redo my writing entry on a student named Becky that won my heart. I simply reflected on and shared the process I used to help Becky embrace the love of writing. I received a perfect score of a 4 on the entry.

4. As a teacher, for what are you most grateful?

I am most grateful for my family that supports me. My husband watched me put in countless hours at home trying to make things “just right” for my students. I don’t know what I would do without his support and understanding.

5. What are some educational resources that you utilize to help cover the curriculum?

I love to use other teachers’ blogs, Pinterest along with Teachers Pay Teachers. I love to see what other teachers do that “works!”

6. Please describe an experience that you and/or your students have had with The Walking Classroom.

Last year was the first year we used The Walking Classroom and the students loved it. My coworker Marlene Paige and I (we call ourselves Thelma and Louise), stumbled upon Laura Fenn and The Walking Classroom at the NC Elementary Conference in Greensboro one year. We wrote a proposal and were funded for one 4th grade class set. Since I was the only 4th grade teacher with the class set, I didn’t want to be “greedy” so other teachers on my team and Mrs. Paige, who is a 3rd grade teacher, were able to check it out so that their students could benefit from the program. I love the fact that it provides another pathway for learning as well as encourages wellness! The Walking Classroom gets two thumbs up from me!