Johnston Reporter

Robin Stauffer has been recognized as the JCPS Certified Employee of the Month for December 2024. With a career spanning 27 years, she has dedicated her efforts to teaching art at Glendale-Kenly Elementary since 2015. Her journey in education began in Ohio, where she spent 14 years focusing on early childhood education before relocating to North Carolina.

Stauffer shared insights into her career choice and teaching philosophy. Reflecting on her early passion for art and experiences as a camp counselor, she said, "As I was planning for college, it was a natural progression for me to study Art Education, and continue my love of working with youth and art."

Her experience in education has taught her adaptability: "Being an educator has taught me to be flexible and that it’s ok to change up your teaching strategies." She emphasizes creating a supportive learning environment by allowing students creative freedom: "I show my students that it is ok to fail, and not all ideas turn out as expected."

Looking ahead, Stauffer plans to enhance her teaching methods through professional development and collaboration with peers. She believes building relationships with students is crucial: "Building relationships with students is important because when the students feel that your classroom environment is a safe space, they will try their best and ask for help when they need it."

Stauffer employs simple techniques like greeting each student individually at the door to foster these connections. As for future aspirations, she expressed interest in attending a national art conference: "It would be wonderful to brainstorm with other educators from all over the United States."

Offering advice to aspiring educators, Stauffer emphasized understanding one's motivation: "My advice...is to remember your 'why'. My 'why' is watching a student create a piece of art that they didn’t think was possible." She also highlighted the importance of maintaining balance between work and personal life.