| Sources |
- [S76] Atchley Funeral Home Records, Volume III, 1974-1986, Larry D. Fox, (Smoky Mountain Historical Society), 28 Jul 1984.
Roy Otha Ownby obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 22 Feb 2009.
Robbins enjoys challenge of teaching high school
Kimberly Robbins gives much credit to her fellow teachers at Pigeon Forge High School for her winning Sevier County Secondary Teacher of the Year.
"I have a great group of colleagues," the teacher said. "I receive a lot of support, and that gives me more confidence in the classroom. Our principal (Perry Schrandt) is also great to work for ? he's one of the reasons we have such a nice school."
Robbins, a history teacher for grades nine through 12, was born in Germany but her parents are from Sevier County.
"I was a military brat, so I grew up in different places. I really got interested in history through my travels."
Having taught for 14 years, Robbins loves the "challenge" of high school students.
"I like that they question me and that they're driven to get the answers. I try to keep an environment that's conducive to learning ? my history class may not be at the top of their priority list. I'm always trying to find new creative ways to get them interested in learning, to get them engaged. What's exciting to me might not be exciting to them."
She also uses parallels between yesterday and today when teaching world and U.S. history and contemporary issues to her students.
"I have become a much more empathetic person through teaching. Sometimes you get wrapped up in curriculum, and the students help me to see the simple joys in everyday things."
Robbins also teaches at Tusculum College in its education program.
She is part of what she calls "a really tight-knit family," which includes husband Christopher; 5-year-old son Ty, a student at Pigeon Forge Primary; mother and father Max and Linda Russell; and sister Lori Hill, an English teacher at Sevier County High School.
The fitness buff enjoys hiking and white water rafting, and her goal is to run a full marathon. She is also a member of First Baptist Church in Sevierville and loves the area's mountains and landscapes.
"I love the people here, too," she added. "It's true what they say about Southern hospitality."
Robbins said she was "shocked and very flattered" when she learned she had received Teacher of the Year.
"I've been really blessed; these kids enrich my life in so many ways. Seeing them succeed is what I enjoy the most."
ebrown@themountainpress.com
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
ROBBINS, CHRISTOPHER JOHN RUSSELL, KIMBERLY MICHELLE 1998-07-31
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