by Katie Vasquez
These young academics are burning off their energy, learning volleyball with Mr Robinson, the physical education teacher at Incarnation Catholic Academy.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity because I get to, like, really impact the kid’s life. and I see, I see it day to day,” said Incarnation Catholic Academy teacher, Humza Robinson.
Studies show the real lesson could just be his presence in the classroom.
“I like Mr. Robinson because he gives us fun activities,” said 1st grader, Zachary Mangroo.
Researchers say male teachers can get boys on the right track in the early years of formal schooling. Yet there are so few in early education, men account for only about 3 percent of kindergarten teachers. Principal Ivan Green says that was something he considered when hiring Mr Robinson.
“A male plays a significant role not just in the education of our students, but also in their family life and structure. From experience, working with students over the years, I have seen historically that kids perform better,” said Green.
7th grader Nathan Lachhman says a male teacher can relate to boys like him in a different way.
“I love how he pushes us. and even when we fall or do something wrong, he just keeps pushing us to do right and right again. and that’s what I really admire about him,” said Lachhman.
Even inspiring Nathan to one day become a teacher.
“That’s really my goal in life. I want to inspire others and be somebody’s role model,” said Lachhman.
A feeling Mr Robinson understands because this job has always been his vocation.
“It’s so humbling because, like, I feel I’m giving back and like, this is like always my life goal to just give back to kids and hopefully they can give back to the next generation,” said Robinson.
And he hopes to continue to motivate these diocesan students.