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From Small-Town PA to Master Teacher: Robin Wrobleski's Journey at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥

Robin Wrobleski knew that attending ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ would be a significant achievement for a first-generation college student from a small Pennsylvania town. This May, he'll graduate with his Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education, while already putting his education to work as a social studies teacher at Woodbridge High School in Virginia.

Being from a small town in PA, getting into a school as prestigious as AU was a very difficult feat. Being able to apply and be accepted was a very big deal for myself.

During his time at AU, Wrobleski found particular value in courses taught by Adjunct Instructor Amy Trenkle. "The skills and methods I was able to take and gather from her course have proved invaluable to my practice," he explains, noting how directly applicable the coursework has been to his classroom teaching.

Balancing Career, Education, and Family

Wrobleski's academic journey included unexpected challenges. "Having a baby during my time in this program was certainly my most difficult challenge to overcome," he shares. "Being a full-time student, getting a master's degree, teaching full time, and having a baby was not something I had planned for me at 23."

Despite these demanding responsibilities, Wrobleski credits AU's supportive environment with helping him succeed. "The staff here at AU has been amazing in helping me out every step of the way! I don't know if I would have been able to finish this program if I did not have such an incredible support system here at this campus!"

Looking Forward

After graduation, Wrobleski plans to continue teaching at Woodbridge High School in Prince William County, Virginia, where he intends to build his career for the long term.

For future graduate students considering the same path, he offers practical advice: "Take your PRAXIS exam! Go get a job teaching with a provisional license. The ability to teach full time while in the program has provided me with such an in-depth understanding of how to be a well-rounded teacher!"

A Personal Note of Gratitude

As he prepares to turn his tassel, Wrobleski expresses deep appreciation for his wife's support throughout his academic journey. "I'd love to take some time to thank my amazing wife who has been with me every step of the way! She's also getting her master's to be a school psychologist, so we have both been working really hard to get to this point in our lives! I can't thank her enough for being my best friend and biggest supporter during this incredible journey we've gone on!"

Robin Wrobleski represents the dedication and perseverance that define ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥'s graduate students, balancing professional growth, academic excellence, and family commitments while preparing to shape the next generation of learners.