100 per cent of students in Joseph Robinson’s Year 8 and 10 English classes at Capalaba State College are achieving A-B level results – the highest in the subject.
The beginning teacher has brought a world of innovation to the College’s English department, introducing new writing strategies including highly skilled and experienced practitioners. Joseph's holistic approach to education is testament to his students' results. At the beginning of every lesson he greets every student at the door with a handshake or high-five. "It's natural for me; talk and interact with every student as the person they are. Listen to them, treat them with dignity and respect," says Joseph. "Students are invested within my classroom because they are invested in me. Taking five minutes out of my day to have a conversation with a student ... creates relationships of kindness, safety and validation." |
Before school and during lunch breaks you'll find Joseph in the Special Education block sharing stories with students, playing handball with senior students, or hanging out in his 'Study Lab' - a safe space where students can take some time out, work on assessment watch a movie or play games.
"I give every minute to my students, not because it's my job, because I relish in being their friend, role model and teammate," Joseph says. Head of School Brad French says experienced colleagues seek Joe’s advice with student management. “His positive approach with students is evident in data analysis,” says Brad. “He is a highly regarded member of our College team.” Joseph's dedication to extra-curricular activities soars above what is expected of a beginning teacher. In the last ten months Joseph has coached two debating teams, spent a week coaching the school's Oztag team on the Sunshine Coast who made it to the QLD OZTAG All School's Cup and led students to compete in the 2018 Reader's Cup Challenge. He also assisted in the organisation and execution of Band Night, Dance Night, and is currently coaching Extension Drama students for this year's Queensland Theatre's Scene Project. Joseph is Assistant Director of the school's web series Who Killed Romeo and Juliet, and attended both the Year 7 and Year 9 Canberra trips. College Principal Lachlan Thatcher says Joe is an asset to the English and Humanities faculty. Joseph believes that all education should lead to autonomy.
"Every act of learning, action and behaviour in the classroom should increase the agency of the student," he says. "By learning, socialising and behaving, the student should be learning to be an advocate for themselves and their world view, while also learning to support and enrich the agency of others." Congratulations Joseph on your nomination for the Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award. |