Robin Anderson

Andover, KS | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

What motivates me most is knowing that strong STEM teaching empowers students to solve real-world problems and unlock their potential. Helping create these effective problem solvers helps to build future innovators and critical thinkers who can make a positive impact.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

I’m motivated by the opportunity to help inspire students’ curiosity and confidence in STEM. When teachers have the right tools and support, they can make complex concepts accessible and exciting, setting students up for success. Contributing to excellence in STEM teaching means nurturing problem-solvers and innovators who will shape the future—and that’s always the goal!

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a PAEMST Awardee, I would leverage my platform by allowing teachers to share their best practices, foster collaboration among educators, and advocate for STEM resources. By allowing teachers to support teachers to engage all students the aim is to help build a diverse, skilled STEM workforce that drives innovation and strengthens their future. Being able to collaborate and share is so critical to learning and growing as educators.

Biography

Robin Anderson has 28 years of experience in education. She began her career at Southeast High School in Wichita, teaching for nine years. After serving as a counselor at Allen Elementary for one year, she spent 12 years at Andover High School before joining Andover Middle School (AMS) to teach eighth grade mathematics for the past six years. Robin enjoys teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1, demonstrating the relevance of mathematics in everyday life. Passionate about developing effective problem solvers, Robin fosters engaging class discussions that guide students in their Math Genius Hour projects. Many students and parents credit her strong communication skills for helping students become confident, logical thinkers. Robin received the 2023-2024 Golden Apple Award for Andover Public Schools. She is part of the Math Pilot Team, working on a new curriculum that promotes holistic learning and STEM connections. Additionally, she helps align the curriculum with Kansas Standards as part of the scope and sequence team. Robin also coaches the Math Relay team and co-coordinates the District Professional Learning Community for Middle School Math. She earned her B.S. in education from Pittsburg State University and both an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction and a Master of Counseling degree from Wichita State University. Robin is certified to teach mathematics in secondary schools and provides counseling across all grade levels.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.