The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘IT’S TEAMWORK’
Region 6 teacher of the year tries to make students feel welcome
LITCHFIELD — Art teacher Robin Christopher’s family can keep a secret.
For weeks they knew that she had been named the “Best Teacher of the Year” for Regional School District No. 6. But a slew of winter storms caused the awards ceremony to be delayed about six times. It was finally held last month, but those in the know still didn’t even hint to Christopher that she was the recipient.
Christopher has taught at Wamogo Regional High School for six years and in the
district for seven. During a reporter’s visit to her classroom this week, students were working on individual projects such as ceiling tile art. “We’re repurposing the tiles. They go in the hallway” ceilings, said senior Miranda Calhoun. She used a sponge brush to paint figures of flying pigs over a blue background.
Calhoun said Christopher offers helpful suggestions. “She shows me stepby-step and gives me good criticism,” she said.
Calhoun first had Christopher as a teacher in kindergarten.
A graduate of the Parsons School of Design in New York City, Christopher earned a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree in early childhood education. “I like to promote an atmosphere where students feel respected and welcome. Their time in art class is like a therapy session, it’s comfortable,” Christopher said.
Sophomore Destiny Fuller heads to the art room as often as she can, including during a mini-study hall after lunch. She received an honorable mention award in January from the Connecticut Scholastic Art & Writing Award contest.
“I used a Sharpie to make dots on tiny squares; it is pointillism,” Fuller said.
The piece, called, “Good Manners,” depicts a surprised face of a young woman.
It’s clear that Christopher is proud of her students’ accomplishments. Her love of art comes in part from her father, Jim Christopher, who taught art at Litchfield’s Center School.
“I started my day as a kid in his art classroom as he was setting up (for class),” she said.
By winning the district award, Christopher is now eligible to enter the statewide contest. The winner will be announced in the next school year.
“It’s nice to be nominated, but this is not just one person. We work collaboratively. It’s team work that makes us look so good,” she said.
“Their time in art class is like a therapy session, it’s comfortable.”
Robin Christopher,
Region 6 teacher of the year