Asbury Educator of the Month: Ethan Robinson

After one year as an engineering major in college, Ethan Robinson discovered his true professional calling – education.

Instead of following his father into engineering, Robinson instead chose the path pursued by his maternal grandmother, who was an elementary and middle school teacher in Virginia. Brenda Crissman Musick also authored three novels and a children’s book.

Robinson is now in his fourth year as a language arts teacher at East Jessamine High School. Mature beyond his years, Robinson, 26, is already the department head and coach of the school’s academic team.

“His greatest asset is his love for our kids,” Principal Chris Hawboldt said. “He looks at the 140 students he teaches and works on accentuating each student’s individual strengths. His work is all about fostering student growth, and that goes to his leadership. His approach in the classroom is something we want to emulate.”

Robinson teaches an accelerated English class for sophomores and a film as literature class that includes “Jaws” and “Star Wars” plus Charlie Chaplin’s silent film classic, “Modern Times.”

Robinson also teaches three sections of College and Career Readiness for seniors. These classes consist of students with a variety of goals – college, community college, technical school or the work force.

Teaching everything from grammar and vocabulary to resume writing and how to make presentations, Robinson relies on his relationship building skills to connect with students.

“I like teaching to a diverse group of kids who have different pathways,” he said. “My job is to teach English that is relevant to their pathway whether it’s a diesel mechanic or a college-bound career. Learning to read effectively is a must for all pathways.”

Building confidence is also part of the mission, he said.

“I work at giving them strategies so that if they are asked to summarize something they read, they know how to do it.”

In his sophomore English class, Robinson challenges his students to embrace big ideas through reading “The Great Gatsby,” and “Night” by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.

“These books deal with war and post traumatic stress, which are problems that many students have not considered before,” he said. “It’s good to teach students who want to learn and are deep thinkers. They have a lot to say.”