The Titan Times

Soliman is awarded District Teacher of the Year

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 By Andra Rictor

On Friday May 7, Principal John Becker and Assistant Principal Jennifer Leighton walk into the dance classroom during third period with a very important message to announce. Dance Instructor Robyn Soliman has been chosen for District Teacher of the Year, along with Woodcreek High School teacher Kathy Eisenhower. However, Soliman found out earlier that day over email, when she was nominated along with 11 other teachers in the district. For Soliman, the victory was nothing short of a surprise that is still sinking in, but it also proves to her that her hard work is paying off. . “I was totally shocked,” Soliman said. “I thought I knew who it was going to be. I really thought who I voted for deserved it. I was honored. To me, this shows that I am on the right track to having a great program.” Starting out as an elementary school teacher, Soliman has taught for seven years, but she has been teaching dance for a total of almost 13 years. While teaching elementary school, she held a dance class after school although she wanted it to be an all-day thing. “I like other subjects, but I love dance,” Soliman said. “If I could do something all day, every day for the rest of my life, it would be dance.” Along with teaching dance in Antelope, Soliman teaches technique dance for younger children at Hawkins School of Performing Arts in Folsom. In order to keep up with the ever-changing world of dance, Soliman takes four dance classes herself. She incorporates what she learns there and teaches it to her students here at school. “I need to stay updated and know what’s happening now,” Soliman said. “Dance goes through so many changes. Plus, taking classes as well as teaching helps me to put myself in my students’ shoes.” Soliman’s favorite part about teaching dance is her students. They motivate her to be an excellent teacher. It makes her feel satisfied when she sees her hard work as a teacher paying off. “The students are my inspiration,” Soliman said. “Since they try to learn as much as they can, I want to teach as much as much as I can. They come up with such innovative routines. It is mostly their choreography for the shows.” Part of Soliman’s skill as a dance teacher comes from the goals she sets for herself and her students. She encourages them to set some of their own goals as well. “I want to keep taking dance classes to stay caught up on the curriculum,” Soliman said. “I also want to help my students to continue reaching their personal goals.” Soliman was one of a two teachers from Antelope High School nominated for the title. To narrow it down to the final winners, each nominee was required to go through with an interview. Soliman and Eisenhower will take part in the Placer County Teacher of the Year program, where the finalist will be chosen as Placer County’s nomination for California Teacher of the Year. “The interview process was scary,” Soliman said. “I was nervous and I didn’t know what to expect. I did not think I’d go on to Placer. I feel I still have so much to learn about teaching.” Assistant Superintendent Ron Severson was able to see how devoted Soliman is to the dance program. “Through the interview process, Ms. Soliman’s passion, dedication and commitment were evident,” Severson said. “She cares deeply for her students and sees dance as a vehicle to help them grow emotionally, academically and personally. She is a creative, dynamic teacher who represents the very best in the teaching profession.” Overall, Soliman is extremely grateful for acquiring the honor of District Teacher of the Year and for being able to teach here at Antelope High. “I feel lucky to be here,” Soliman said. “I appreciate the support from everyone who has helped make the dance program a success.”