Critzer Elementary School has named Kendra Robertson as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year.
Robertson is a 2003 graduate of Pulaski County High School who went on to attend and graduate from Radford University. She began her teaching career with Critzer Elementary School in 2003 as a second-grade teacher, but later moved into working as a Title I teacher.
Title I teachers are teachers who specialize in helping students better understand their primary teacher’s lessons in core subjects, such as math and reading. They may also create additional activities for those lessons or new ones closely related to a student’s learning styles and needs.
Robertson has now been with Pulaski County Public Schools and Critzer Elementary School for 20 years.
“I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher,” Robertson said. “I knew from the start. I had so many amazing teachers and spent my childhood playing school. I love providing strategies that help students become successful readers. I’m not sure of any other career path I could have taken.”
In the nomination form, several comments expressed just how important Mrs. Robertson is to the Critzer team.
“Kendra is an integral part of our literacy program and strives to provide quality instruction to a diverse population of students,” one nominator wrote. “Mrs. Robertson comes to work each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to support students and colleagues alike. She serves on the school leadership team, school improvement committee, division literacy team, PALS team liaison, and mentors her colleagues. When it comes to instructional data, Kendra is always prepared and assists with analyzing to provide interventions and enrichment.”
Robertson stated that while there are challenges to teaching, one stands out for her.
“The biggest challenge I have is the work-life balance,” she said. “When my leisure reading is consumed by reading research, I remind myself to take a break.”
“If I could teach any grade level, without a doubt it would be second grade,” she said. “It’s the teaching sweet spot!”
When not working, Robertson enjoys spending time with her husband, Daymon “Buddy” Robertson, and their two children, Kenley and Braylon. Their two children also attend Critzer Elementary School. She also enjoys working in her garden and traveling.
“Kendra is a team player that goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues,” Critzer Elementary Principal Tony Viers said. “If you see Kendra, you are sure to see someone smiling, creating others and offering support in any fashion needed. Critzer is very fortunate to have Mrs. Robertson caring for and instructing our students.”