Pembroke Middle School teacher seeks to make a difference
Jan. 19—LUMBERTON — A Pembroke Middle School teacher is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students, whom she calls "our future leaders."
Barbara Collins teaches English Language Arts to seventh graders at the school, where she has worked since January 2018. She previously taught history at Scotland High School.
"Mrs. Collins is compassionate, kind, and patient. She always puts her students before herself and goes above and beyond to help her school family in any way she can. Mrs. Collins was initially a Social Studies teacher but accepted the challenge to transition to English Language Arts after a vacancy at our school in the middle of the year," said Anthony Barton, principal of the middle school.
Collins told The Robesonian that she enjoys "seeing my students make connections from a lesson to real life."
The Rowland resident particularly enjoys watching students grow in their knowledge within and beyond the classroom.
"My favorite part of teaching is watching students develop through all aspects of their life," she said. "They can go from reading simple sentences to reading complex texts."
As an educator, Collins has learned that effective teaching is personal.
"[Y]ou must have a relationship with your students in order for them to learn," she said.
The most important part of being an educator to Collins is helping her students "succeed and realizing that they are our future leaders."
Barton described Collins as "a model employee" who has not missed a school day since the 2019-2020 school year.
More than that, Collins displays initiative and a willingness to learn new methods of teaching.
"She is very open to feedback and is constantly looking for ways to reach her students and to find ways to connect with them," Barton said. "Our school is blessed to have her as part of our team."
The educator told The Robesonian that "showing up everyday" and prioritizing the safety of students helps her overcome challenges in the classroom brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am proud to be a Pembroke Middle School Warrior!" Collins said.
Reach Jessica Horne at 910-416-5165 or via email at [email protected]
