Special Education teacher and softball coach Alyssa Robbins is no stranger to FCHS. After graduating from the school in 2015–just two years after the school was built–Robbins returned to Fluvanna because of her deep love for the community and her desire to make a positive impact.

Following high school, Robbins set her sights on college and attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she earned her degree in Special Education.

“My coursework and field experiences helped me understand how diverse learning needs really are and how important individualized instruction can be,” Robbins said. She said she takes immense pride in her work and credits her college experience for helping her develop the skills she uses daily in her classroom.

Even though Robbins has found her true passion in teaching, it wasn’t always her first career choice. Her first focus was to pursue a career in healthcare. However, it was when she started working directly with students that she knew teaching was what she wanted to pursue. Watching students grow and providing extra support to those who need it most became incredibly rewarding to her. This experience ultimately led her to choose the field of special education. After graduating from college, Robbins returned to FCHS, first as the junior varsity girls’ softball coach.

“It was like a second home,” Robbins said. “I was also drawn to the school’s focus on inclusion, collaboration, and student growth.”

Robbins describes her teaching style as student-centered and flexible, believing that every student learns differently, and it is a teacher’s job to accommodate students who don’t learn the same way as others. In special education, this can work differently as there is no one way to approach every student. This is where Robbins says she needs to be flexible and help every student in a way that works for them personally. She also focuses on building strong relationships with all of her students, as she believes this it is the best way to connect with and learn more about them.

Some of Robbins’ favorite moments teaching at FCHS are watching her students accomplish things that they once thought they could not do–“whether that’s mastering a skill, advocating for themselves, or gaining confidence,” she said.

Robbins continues to coach the junior varsity softball team to this day and is entering her eighth year as head coach. She is especially excited for the season, as the team will welcome many new players. She sees this as an opportunity for growth and looks forward to watching new athletes showcase their skills.

Outside of school, Robbins enjoys spending time with her young toddler. The two love being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air together.