Henrico's Top Teachers – Robert Doolidge

As an upstate New Yorker transplanted to Virginia, Robert Doolidge said that he struggled at first to feel at home and “part of the family” in Henrico County.

Thanks to early opportunities to get involved as a team sponsor and athletic coach, he did not have to struggle for long.

As the Short Pump Middle School Technology Student Association advisor, the school’s Career and Technical Education Department leader, and an assistant football coach at Deep Run H.S., he has been building relationships with his students and the greater community for going on seven years now. He has even been able to follow one special group of students from middle school through JV and varsity in high school.

“Watching them grow from sixth to twelfth grade,” Doolidge said, “has been one of the most motivating and humbling experiences of my life.”

Clearly, the rewards flow both ways, as one student who wrote to nominate Doolidge named him among “the most inspiring teachers in the school.”

Praising Doolidge’s energy and dedication, the student noted that he often spends his lunch period helping students with projects, and that he uses innovative methods to get them pumped up – such as kicking off class with a motivational video. “I have learned many things – things that not just a textbook can teach – and I’ve improved as a leader,” wrote the student.

As motivation to his TSA students, Doolidge promised he’d don a bright pink suit if they won a competition; they did, and he did (pictured, at right).

A colleague also mentioned Doolidge’s habit of going beyond “bell-to-bell instruction” and spending additional time on meetings to prepare students for TSA competitions.

In addition, said his colleague, “Rob is always thinking up ways to help his students learn something new through practical application.”

Recently, Doolidge worked with school officials on a project to improve signage that would aid students and first responders in an emergency. His students used printers, laser cutters and other equipment to design and construct the room signs, and now can not only view their handiwork on a daily basis, but take pride in the fact that their teachers and peers see it.

“When you see the faces of the student’s in Rob’s classes, and how their eyes light with excitement,” wrote Doolidge’s colleague, “it’s clear that Rob has earned their respect as a teacher, and how much he cares about their learning.

For Doolidge, however, teaching is not just about imparting subject matter or delivering curriculum.

“Education is the development of adolescents as a whole to become skillful, productive, caring, and happy members of society,” he said.

While he enjoys seeing students share his curiosity about technology and go into related careers, his greatest reward is seeing them succeed at life.

As an example, he described a workplace visit with a student he taught for three years and coached for six, and his delight upon having his former student teach him – as he assisted Doolidge and his fiancee in finding the perfect truck.

Today, there’s not a trace of Doolidge’s original doubt about adapting to his new community. He now is “deeply rooted” in Henrico County “and proud to call it home.”

Nor was there ever any doubt about his career choice being a fit.

“From day one,” Doolidge said, “teaching has become the motivator, passion, and lifestyle that has brought me more happiness than I ever could have imagined possible.”