Beloved Former Norwalk Teacher Mourned By School Community

NORWALK, CT — Lavone Roberson, a former Naramake Elementary School teacher, died unexpectedly this week, according to Norwalk Public Schools.

In a statement Thursday, district officials said Roberson taught third and fifth grade at Naramake from 2007 to 2019.

"Lavone believed deeply that the true growth of a student could not be measured by test scores alone," Naramake Principal Jane Wilkins said in a statement, "and that the social-emotional development was a necessary component for academic achievement."

Lindsay Esposito, a longtime colleague of Roberson, said her friend was one of the most amazing people she had ever met.

"She was a beautiful woman with a warm smile, strong presence, and a heart that embraced all people," Esposito said in a statement. "Lavone saw potential in everyone, even before they could see it in themselves."

Esposito said Roberson made meaningful relationships with all of her students, who knew they were safe, welcomed and loved when they entered her classroom. She held high expectations for each student and also taught them the importance of morals and values.

She made everything she taught relevant and relatable, according to Esposito.

"Each day she made her students repeat the mantra, 'Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best,'" Esposito said. "Her goal was that each of her students was able to recognize his or her strengths and take the necessary steps to improve areas that needed support."

Roberson also had a huge impact on her colleagues, always encouraging them to challenge themselves to become better and do better for their students.

According to district officials, Roberson was considered a building leader and thought of as an incredible educator, working collaboratively with her colleagues to create meaningful learning experiences that would positively impact students.

"Lavone lived her life with purpose and intent. She positively impacted the lives of the children and adults she came in contact with," Esposito said. "In the field of education, she is a leader beyond compare. She gained the respect and trust from both colleagues and students, was empathetic and worked to understand people, developed ideas and solved problems as they arose and always showed grace and patience. Lavone is someone we should all strive to live like."

A full statement from the district can be read here.