Due to the nature of my 15-year professional basketball career, our family moved often and experienced many different educational philosophies and settings. Our children attended many public schools, international schools, private schools, and even home school at times. The exposure to these educational experiences sparked a flame of curiosity and a love for learning, which I hope to pass on to my students.
When our family returned to Utah, I worked for five years as the Director of American Heritage School In American Fork. I discovered that I love to help students learn and grow in confidence and ability. As director I had high expectations in the area of behavior and I saw the students and school community thrive as they rose to meet those expectations.
In my mind it is critically important that each student in the classroom has a feeling of safety and comfort while we learn as a class to develop skills that will prepare us for a healthy and fulfilled life and be inspired to be life-long learners. My hope is that the students will take pride in their school and education, and have an understanding that it is their education, and therefore their responsibility. I am merely a guide, a mentor and a resource.
The school's mission statement, "To inspire children to love learning and to empower them to explore and achieve their individual potential," connects with my feelings on education. I believe nothing inspires children to love learning more than great literature. Our curriculum will be tied to literature, which will inspire each of us to respect our history and bring about excellence in all our efforts. I have learned that all subjects can be brought to life through literature. Yes, even math! I don't believe anyone could read Carry on Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham and not be thrilled to achieve their full math potential.
Lincoln Academy's founders, board, and administration have laid the groundwork where teachers and students can all grow in their love of learning. That is why I am excited to be part of this great effort.
roberts@lincoln-academy.org