Andragogical Testimonials
“Educator, mentor, cheerleader”
“I just read your article and I wanted to let you know HOW AMAZING you are! The students are truly fortunate to have you as their educator/mentor/cheerleader. I wish I had a teacher like you when I was in school! You are inspiring and it shows through your students and their work!”
— Mimi John, Open Window School
“Casual, but professional”
“Robin was so warm and friendly. She understood our group. I felt so comfortable. Robin was very knowledgeable about our kinds of kids and our parents. She was well connected to our issues and needs.”
— Bellevue Discovery School Staff
“Robin is a fearless advocate for racial justice. She is a powerful ally who understands how to build trust and solidarity across communities.”
— Ji-Young Um, Assistant Professor of Social Justice and Cultural Studies
“Robin is the epitome of great teaching — an incredible inspiration to me.”
— Sandra Washington, The Perkins School
“White teachers are often afraid to talk about our own whiteness and privilege and how schools are most supportive of white students. Robin creates a space to have these difficult conversations.”
— Brook Achterhof, Mathematics Teacher
“Unprecedented verve, infectious gusto”
“Robin Russell has an unprecedented ability to inject verve and enthusiasm in even the most reticent students. When she helped launch a revision stage in my classroom, Robin immediately established easy rapport with students. Her ability to condense necessary revision needs into a short, easily remembered list was invaluable for my overwhelmed classes. During work time, my students eagerly selected revision topics to focus on and edited their stories with gusto. Robin's infectious love for learning invigorated students, inspiring work they had never thought possible.”
— Cat McCarrey, Renton Public Schools
“Clever and charming”
“It was her charming, clever rapport that had [my students] excited to write from the moment she walked into my classroom.”
— Josh Goodman, Westside School
“Passionate, creative and innovative”
“Robin Russell is one of the main reasons that I became a classroom teacher. I was lucky enough to be her teaching assistant my first year working in schools. I struck the jackpot. More than any other teacher I've met, Robin's passion, creativity, innovation, enthusiasm, and deep care and respect for her students just radiates from her entire being. As soon as you walk into her classroom and see the way she interacts with her students it is clear that you are witnessing a person whose calling is to teach. During my year as her assistant I soaked up countless details about teaching. What influenced me the most was how to discipline students from a place of respect and empathy, that no idea is ever too big or too controversial to try and tackle with students, and that one must stay true to oneself to achieve greatness in the classroom. Robin continued to influence my teaching as I became a lead teacher in her department and collaborated with her as a peer. She brought thoughtfulness and a depth of knowledge to each and every challenge we faced, whether it was a quick question between classes or a lengthy collaborative project among colleagues. I strived to emulate this attitude as I progressed as a teacher. Finally, Robin is the definition of a life-long learner; she is always thrilled to learn a new technique or an innovative strategy and doesn't hesitate to try them on in realistic and integrative ways in her classroom. Robin is the epitome of great teaching - an incredible inspiration to me, and to all who have the chance to learn with her.”
— Sandra Washington, The Perkins School
“Educator, mentor, cheerleader”
“I just read your article and I wanted to let you know HOW AMAZING you are! The students are truly fortunate to have you as their educator/mentor/cheerleader. I wish I had a teacher like you when I was in school! You are inspiring and it shows through your students and their work!”
— Mimi John, former Open Window School colleague
“Inspires us to infuse joy, boundless creativity in lesson design.”
— Laura Simeon, MA, MLIS, Open Window School
“Dynamic, earnest, refreshing.”
— Josh Barokas, Seattle Public Schools
“Robin lends teachers welcomed support on how to be more racially sensitive. When she talks, they listen.”
— Rajeswari Sachdeva, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
“Dynamic, earnest, refreshing”
“Robin Russell is a dynamic, professional, and natural teacher. I cannot express enough how much she singlehandedly influenced my teaching methods. I worked with Robin for several years as her instructional assistant, and what I learned from Robin, without her explicitly teaching me, was everything I ever needed to know about being an effective educator. Robin’s approach shattered what I knew about classroom management and academic instruction. Her earnestness and authenticity presented a refreshing break from the sterile, traditional, authoritative teacher/student relationship. Robin has a magnetism that students cannot and will not ignore. They want to do right by her, and give their best effort, as Robin always does right by them, and gives them the world. What she has isn’t teachable in books, it must be experienced in real life, from the source. What I have gleaned from her has changed the way I teach, and the way I approach my students. The results have been nothing short of revolutionary. I am very lucky to have spent time working with Robin Russell. I would not be the teacher that I am today if not for her influence.”
— Josh Barokas, Seattle Public Schools
“Boundless creativity in lesson design”
“Robin's classroom is filled with laughter - and children who are laughing are happy and relaxed enough to learn more. In addition to bringing social studies and literature to life through her boundless creativity in lesson design and execution (her Living History Museum is like nothing you've ever seen!) and her genuine enthusiasm for her subjects, Robin models risk taking and reaching for your dreams.”
— Laura Simeon, MA, MLIS, Open Window School
“Thank you for teaching such a meaningful class! Great resources - especially for creating a student-centered classroom.”
— Jessica Rodriguez, Seattle Public Schools
“Rejuvenating, enlightening, kind.”
“Professional development that excites students and staff is extremely rare. Robin Russell’s visit was one of those special days when everyone benefited and left feeling rejuvenated and excited to keep writing.”
— Kelli Munro, Seattle Public Schools
“A delight. Lively and amusing.”
— Rebecca Moore, The Overlake School
“Unprecedented verve, infectious gusto.”
— Cat McCarrey, Renton Public Schools
“Clever and charming.”
— Josh Goodman, Westside School
“Robin has taught me critical elements to have when I address issues of cultural bias. Foremost is having a deeper understanding of my students.”
— Arren Ellingson, Humanities Teacher
“Everything she does starts with inclusivity.”
“More impressive than her creativity and humor, though, is her kindness and humanity. Robin is clearly devoted to all of her students and she always makes herself available to anyone- child or adult- who has a need to talk about issues, personal and social. Social justice is not just a timely topic for her; it is her second nature and everything she does starts with inclusivity.”