August 21, 2019
Morrison “Mo” Robblee ’19 will begin his teaching career this fall at Reid Middle School in Pittsfield, Mass.
08/21/19
Morrison “Mo” Robblee ’19 has pictured himself as a teacher for a long time—and this fall, that picture will come into focus. Robblee, originally from Minnetonka, Minn., has accepted a full-time teaching position at Reid Middle School in Pittsfield.
After being recommended for a long-term substitute social studies teacher position at Reid by his student teaching program supervisor, Robblee applied for a permanent role in the school’s social studies department.
“It feels incredible to be on the verge of accomplishing a major life goal,” Robblee said. “I have been dreaming of this moment for the better part of a decade. Of course, there are feelings of nervousness and anxiety at the feat to be accomplished, but nothing can compete with the joy and excitement I feel to be where I am today.”
Robblee used to visit family in Massachusetts as a kid, and knew he wanted to attend college in the Commonwealth. By the time he got to campus, he had already racked up college credits taking AP courses; because of this, he was able to finish his undergraduate work in three years, then shift into master’s coursework.
“I’ve always wanted to work with people in a manner in which I could help them,” he said. “I really like interacting with history and getting kids excited about history—so that is the path I chose for myself.”
As a double major in history and education, he learned about educational theory, curriculum development, and lesson planning while taking courses on the history of women in the United States and the relationship of eastern and western European countries, among other things. MCLA’s education program connects students with area teachers, and in addition to his long-term substitute job at Reid, Robblee had the opportunity to spend a full semester student-teaching at Hoosac Valley High School.
“I had full responsibility—you’re designing lessons, you’re implementing lessons, you’re grading student work, you’re assessing student achievement,” he said. In order to get more comfortable in front of a class, he has also worked as a substitute teacher, camp counselor, and supplemental instructor. “All those experiences went really well and definitely affirmed that’s the direction I’d like to go in,” he said.
Robblee originally planned to continue to attend MCLA full-time, earning his master’s in education through the College’s 4+1 program. His new job has changed those plans: He’ll continue working on his Me.D. and hopes to take at least one class a semester. (He got a jump-start by earning 12 credits toward his grad degree and teaching licensure this summer.)
School starts very soon—so Robblee is preparing, reaching out to his mentors and supporters, and getting excited.
“I have been reflecting upon my experiences as a student, asking for ‘first-year teaching’ advice to anyone I bump into, and expressing gratitude to the people who have helped guide me along this journey,” he said. “I am most looking forward to getting to know all my students! We have got ourselves one interesting journey ahead us and, for all to be successful, I am looking forward to gaining the trust and respect of my fellow classroom adventurers.”
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