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You may have already received several letters from some of Mr. Robinson's students. I know this because they've been sending them to me in my son's back-pack and requesting that I send them to you (which I do, gladly). Mr. Robinson goes by the nickname "Mr. Rob". I have NEVER seen a teacher like this. He has 33 students, some of which are autistic, down syndrome, and other special needs. Some of his students are extremely gifted. Yet "Mr. Rob" teaches them all and raises each individual to his/her next level. I have never seen a teacher motivate an ENTIRE CLASS like this before (and that's really saying something, because we've seen such magnificent teachers here in Utah).
My son is autistic. So every morning when he leaves for school - that is when my worrying begins. Until this year. Even when my son, Eli, has been ill he doesn't want to miss Mr. Robinson's class. I have visited the classroom and seen the miracle in action. I am amazed at Mr. Rob's "whatever it takes" attitude. His method is positive lifting and inspiring while still remaining honest with the consequences. He is teaching his students the technical knowledge needed for academic success, but he is also investing himself in Utah's future leaders, teachers, politicians, business executives, and parents. It is amazing to watch! There is a lot of talk on Utah's "hill" right now concerning education and teachers. There is, occasionally, a negative light shone on teachers in general. My son told me that our government and our reporters should just come to "Mr. Rob's" class for a day. I agree.
If you come to Mr. Robinson's class, you will not help but feel confidence in Utah's future. You will be inspired in how to teach and motivate your own children, nieces, nephews, etc. You will remember times when teachers have inspired you. You WILL experience this because EVERYONE who sets foot into his classroom experiences this!
I know my son invited KSL to visit Mr. Greg Robinson's class. I would echo that invitation along with a challenge that you find a teacher with the same devotion and self-investment, a challenge that you cannot help but be inspired. A challenge that Utah DOES have the BEST teachers in the nation - the very best of which is in a little "podunk" school in, of all places, Tooele County! I must admit, we were spoiled last year with Eli's teacher being so wonderful, I it couldn't get any better... I WAS WRONG. It IS even better. My youngest cannot wait to have Mr. Rob as her teacher.
For career day, there were several Jr. High students who came to shadow Mr. Rob (I've never seen that before) because he's inspired them in a way that convinces them that there is no higher calling than to be a teacher! As Sherlock Holmes said, "The proof is in the pudding." The evidence of his superior teaching methods (which, sadly, are not common)is abundantly clear. PLEASE JUST COME WATCH HIM TEACH - you will be richer for the experience - especially first thing in the morning, he has the most intriguing way of waking up their young minds and motivating them for the rest of the day. You may even end up using his methods in your next staff meeting!
Mr. Robinson would be shocked and humbled to know of all the letters his students have been writing (I haven't told him). I would love for him to receive this award - maybe then he can see the effect he's having on this Utah of ours.
Sincerely,
Dannie Libby
My name is Elias Libby. I am autistic. I was nervous to start 6th grade. But my class is like a really good team. My class treats me like I'm a good teammate. Our teacher deserves the Teacher Feature award. My teacher is Mr. Rob and he knows that we're smart. He rewards our class in fun ways. He said if our class earned 10 points that he would have a light saber duel with me because I LOVE STAR WARS. Our class earned the points. He dressed up like Darth Vader. I WON. Because I won, our class got Coldstone Ice Cream! Mr. Rob is not just patient with me. He knows I can do anything. And when my Grandy died, he helped me with that too.
The next time people are saying that teachers are not good, they can just come to my class - then they will know that Utah has the BEST TEACHER IN THE WORLD! I challenge KSL to come to my class and see. We are being prepared to grow up. You will LOVE it if you come to our class!
--Elias Libby
Mr. Rob is the best teacher ever! He genuinely cares for each of our educations, our individual feelings and our well-being like no teacher I've never known! He has always gone the extra mile to ensure that his classroom is somewhere you want to be. Take a gander around our classroom and you can just feel good vibrations! Mr. Rob always take the time to know his students individually, and know them personally. He especially focuses on being a good person instead of good behavior. Mr. Rob makes everything fun and not in a little kid way. He treats us like adults, a welcome change from teachers past. Thankfully, he always puts us in tables and encourages us to work together and never leave anyone behind. Best of all his amazing methods are making my fellow classmates' test scores soar! Mr. Rob is the best teacher in the whole universe!!
--Angela Ricks
Mr. Rob should be the teacher feacher because he wants every single student to succeed. He also has fun ways to learn and gives us rewards for achieving our goals. He wants us to be prepared for Jr. high and life. Also he is so kind to everyone. He's a great role model. I hope that someday I can be just like him. He has such high hopes and believes that every student can be the best that they can. He makes up such creative and productive ways to learn. The thing that I love most about Mr. Rob is I have never had a teacher who's as caring as him. Also, I never had a teacher who has deserved this more than him.
--Student unknown
Why I think Mr. Rob is the best is because he always helps me with my math or reading. He's always nice to everyone and whenever he orders pizza he gets 2 slices for one person and for the entire 6th grade teachers. He lets us in and everything. We do stuff like spelling golf and basketball spelling. BEST teacher ever!
--Jaiden H.
