Newport's Teacher of the Year is Jennifer Robinson

A surprise at work can sometimes be a bad thing. Perhaps an unexpected last-minute assignment. Someone called in sick. A pipe burst.

Today, Jennifer Robinson, a librarian at Frank E. Thompson Middle School, is recovering from the shock of a very nice surprise.

Robinson has been named Teacher of the Year for Newport Public Schools. The announcement was made this afternoon in the library.

Colleen Jermain, Newport Public Schools Superintendent, and Jo Eva Gaines, chair of the Newport School Committee presented Jennifer Robinson with the great news this afternoon in the library, surrounded by her husband and children.

The district, in a release, said Robinson is “a truly deserving winner.”

She has worked in the Newport Public Schools as a Library Media Specialist since 2000, starting as the Librarian at the William J. Underwood and the Dr. Michael H. Sullivan Elementary Schools.

She moved up to the middle school in 2008.

She holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from URI and is National Board Certified.

As the district winner, she will now be a candidate for Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to Jennifer and her family.