UNION — Camille Robinson is the new director of of Special Services and Gifted and Talented for the Union County School District.
Robinson, who was appointed to the position during this week’s Union County Board of School Trustees meeting, earned her bachelor’s degree from Limestone College, majoring in both psychology and counseling/human services. She became a social worker at the Department of Social Services in Spartanburg, where she worked for about six years in the area of child protective services.
“I enjoyed what I was doing, but it got to the point that it would interfere with my family life,” she said. “I would bring my work home with me.”
While contemplating a career move that would still allow her to do something she loves, Robinson began looking into education and the PACE program. Through the program, Robinson became certified in special education.
“Special ed is something I’ve always been drawn to,” Robinson said, explaining that her background with DSS played a major role in that decision as many of the children she worked with were intermingled with special needs in some fashion.
Robinson went on to work as a special education teacher at Jonesville Elementary/Middle School for six years, and is currently in her second year as an assistant principal there.
“It’s work, but it doesn’t necessarily seem like work because it’s something you enjoy,” she said.
Robinson earned a Master’s of Education from Converse College in July, which led her to apply for the Director of Special Services and Gifted and Talented position when it became open.
“When the job became available initially, I hesitated for a moment, but I went back to what I knew,” Robinson said. “I feel, personally, that I can make an impact. This type of position doesn’t become available that often, and this is something I’m very passionate about.”
Robinson will continue to work at Jonesville Elmentary/Middle as well as the District Office Annex until her former assistant principal’s position is filled to ensure the transition is a smooth one.
Although she is looking forward to her new leadership role, Robinson said she will miss Jonesville Elementary/Middle.
“I graduated from Jonesville High School, so I was already familiar with the area,” she said.
Robinson said she will miss her students most of all, pointing out that the current 8th grade class is the last class she taught there before going into administration.
“Throughout my career, I have learned much from my teachers, more from my colleagues, but most of all from the students,” she said.
As for her new leadership role in the district, Robinson said she looks forward to having an impact on each school in the county and seeing each school from multiple perspectives.
“I know it’s going to be challenging,” Robinson said. “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Robinson will undertake a huge umbrella of responsibilities, including students with IEPs, 504 plans, learning specialists at each school, self-contained students, preschool, budgeting for special services, professional development for teachers, and more.
Superintendent Dr. Kristi Woodall is confident that Robinson will be successful.
“Camille is an advocate for all students especially those with special needs,” Woodall said. “Her effective skills in dealing with students and parents will make her successful in her new leadership role.”
Robinson said her goals include making sure teachers are properly equipped, the continuation of students being treated fairly and bringing awareness to special education as well as gifted and talented students.
A native of Union County, Mrs. Robinson and her husband, John Robinson Jr., have two children. Their daughter Ashli, 20, is a junior at the College of Charleston, and their son Brendon, 14, is a ninth-grader at Boiling Springs High School.
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
