Team Robinson is located in Schumacher Community Learning Center Room 108.
It’s the kindergarten classroom of Tracey Robinson, who last week was named the 2025 Akron Education Association’s Teacher of the Year. Here, she introduces some of Akron’s youngest pupils to the joys of learning.
They’re greeted every weekday morning by inspirational posters and calming music. You can’t miss the unnamed class pets — two fish (the year started with five) and about 50 caterpillars that live in a cylindrical net; they’re forming their chrysalises on twigs the students arranged. After they hatch, students will host a butterfly release to close out the school year.
The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.
Robinson has taught her kindergarteners about money — tying lessons to life. Right now, they’re discovering vowel patterns. Writing words on white boards.
This lesson will end with them teaching her their vowels.
“We help each other, we work together,” she said. “We love each other, and that bonds us together. Them to me, me to them.”
Robinson also spearheaded a student initiative loosely modeled after service projects high school students complete through college and career academies. Participants earn badges and T-shirts and, critically, a sense of confidence and ownership.
Robinson has served at Schumacher CLC for her entire teaching career — 27 years. Long enough for most children who walk its West Akron halls to feel like they’re hers. Long enough to tweak her approach with 4- and 5-year-olds.
From teacher centered, everything structured, with everyone learning the same way, following the same program, accessing curriculum the same way, to viewing students as individuals.
She’s had to. They arrive for the first day of school displaying a range of readiness.
“Most of them don’t come in knowing much of anything,” she said. “We sit down and learn the letters. That’s daunting.”
Robinson’s still up for the challenge. She starts with the letters in their names.
“Started my career there,” said Robinson, a graduate of Central Hower High School and the University of Akron. “Wouldn’t leave for the world.”
