On Friday, Oct. 27, Green Hope biology and marine ecology teacher Ms. Tina Robinette was recognized as the Gold Star Teacher of the Month for November by radio station 94.7 QDR. Ms. Jane Seibert and Principal Alison Cleveland, along with other administrators, planned a large celebration for Ms. Robinette, who was unaware of her recognition. During third period, staff members pulled out students who had Ms. Robinette in other periods to accompany QDR radio hosts Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry to present the award. 

Ms. Robinette received a plaque and a $100 dollar gift card as part of the award. Multiple individuals nominated Ms. Robinette for Teacher of the Month and many emphasized her excellent mentorship skills, high standards, approachability, fun lesson plans and compassion.

Ms. Seibert, fellow Green Hope teacher and a good friend of Ms. Robinette, described her friend’s reaction to receiving the award. “I think having all her current students attend the giving of the award made it very special for Ms. Robinette,” Ms. Seibert said. “She got a little emotional, which made everyone in the room understand how meaningful it was to her. Also, it happened to be the last day of school she was here before her medical leave to fight breast cancer, so the timing made it very special.”

While Ms. Robinette juggled two different classes, which could be challenging at times, Ms. Seibert explained that “Ms. Robinette always plans her lessons to be engaging and exciting…She is passionate about both biology and marine ecology and is fair and equitable in order to foster great relationships with each of her students.” 

Ms. Robinette pours so much into her work to preserve such relationships, an investment recognized by many. While “[she] never expects awards or recognition, she was overwhelmed and ecstatic about being recognized and she definitely deserved it,” Ms. Seibert said. “Ms. Robinette truly wants her students to not only be successful in her classes, but also have fun while learning and be successful individuals. She holds high expectations for her students but is willing to offer assistance to any student in order to reach those expectations.”

As an incredible leader and mentor at Green Hope, Ms. Robinette brings great pride to the school with the Gold Star Teacher of the Month award.