Prekindergarten is often seen as children’s first step on the journey to academic success. It’s where letters and numbers help form the bedrock of lifelong learning. Many educators in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) excel in guiding this crucial early stage. Yet this year, one Pre-K teacher’s passion and achievements stood out above the rest.
Dr. Latalia Robbins, who has taught Pre-K at Smoke Rise Elementary School for the past decade, was named DCSD’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. She received this distinguished honor along with a $2,000 award from Georgia United Credit Union at the 11th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards Gala last November. She remembers that the moment felt surreal and admits she never imagined a Pre-K educator could earn such prominent recognition.
“I didn’t know this could happen to me because Pre-K is often treated as a separate part of the school,” said Dr. Robbins. “With this acknowledgment, I hope more teachers on this grade level are recognized for their invaluable contribution to the whole fabric of learning. I’ll wear the honor well and represent DCSD in the most uplifting and positive ways.”
A 15-year veteran of Pre-K education, Dr. Robbins holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Northern Arizona University, a master’s degree in early childhood education from Grand Canyon University, and an education doctorate from Walden University. She also has several specialized certifications, including Georgia’s preschool development grant Birth through Five, English to Speakers of Other Languages, and coaching/mentor credentials.
Dr. Robbins says that being an educator has profoundly shaped her personally and professionally. “It has made me a better person altogether. It reminds me to listen closely and be an asset to all children, which is vital for their individual growth.”
This exciting news was met with big cheers from her students. They decorated their classroom in her honor, and Dr. Robbins was showered with gifts from coworkers and students, including her Pre-K paraprofessional, Katrina Woodruff.
Ms. Woodruff, who has partnered with Dr. Robbins for two years, says the recognition is well-deserved.
“I voted for her to be Teacher of the Year at the school,” said Ms. Woodard. “She’s incredible and always puts in extra effort, such as doing things with our Sunshine Committee and making sure teachers and staff are happy. She always put other people first.”
On a personal note, Ms. Woodruff appreciates the mentorship she receives.
“Dr. Robbins has helped guide me through and taught me how to manage a class,” she added. “We work very well together and have an amazing time. I’m always amazed learning from her.”
The feeling is mutual.
“I have the best paraprofessional in the world,” Dr. Robbins said. “Being told that ‘I deserved this’ was humbling because of the reflection others shared about how I contributed to the school.”
Smoke Rise Elementary will host a banquet on January 29th to celebrate Dr. Robbins. Principal Dr. Kystye Tatum noted that the honor highlights Dr. Robbins’s positive influence on students.
“She has profoundly impacted the Pre-K program at Smoke Rise Elementary. Her innovative teaching methods have significantly enhanced student learning in the Pre-K program,” said Dr. Tatum. “Her focus on social-emotional development and early literacy skills has increased student engagement and achievement.
“She is truly an asset to our school, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of the Smoke Rise Elementary family.”
Looking back on her 10 years at Smoke Rise, Dr. Robbins points to teamwork and shared purpose among faculty as one of the school’s greatest strengths.
“We work together for the collective achievement of the entire school community,” said Dr. Robbins. “Our administration has supported the school vision and our talents, which continue to make our school awesome. There is no place I would rather be than at Smoke Rise Elementary.”
Always thinking of others, Dr. Robbins hopes to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the importance of Pre-K education. Her work reminds us that children’s academic journeys may begin with finger paint and story time. Still, those early experiences are led by outstanding educators and have a profound impact that lasts well beyond their final walk across the graduation stage.
If her own story is any indication, the smallest learners often have the biggest champions. Dr. Robbins is ready to carry that banner for DCSD teachers and students alike.