By Katie Vasquez
Young academics in Queens, New York, are burning off their energy by learning volleyball with Mr. Humza Robinson, the physical education teacher at Incarnation Catholic Academy.
Studies show the real lesson could just be his presence in the classroom: “I like Mr. Robinson because he gives us fun activities,” first grader Zachary Mangroo tells Currents News.
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, with men only accounting about three 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,” says Green. From experience, working with students over the years, I have seen historically that kids perform better.”
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity because I get to really impact the kid’s life.” explains Robinson. “And I see, I see it day to day.”
Seventh 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. That’s what I really admire about him.”
That positive impact from Mr. Robinson is even motivating Nathan to one day become a teacher.
“That’s really my goal in life,” he says. “I want to inspire others and be somebody’s role model.”
It’s a feeling Mr Robinson understands because this job has always been his vocation.
“It’s so humbling because I feel I’m giving back and this is always my life goal,” Robinson says. “To just give back to kids, and hopefully they can give back to the next generation.”
He hopes to continue to motivate these diocesan students.