Name: Henry Robbins

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Program: Bacc/MAT

Education: B.A. in History and Portuguese and Brazilian Studies

What drew you to the Bacc/MAT program?

First and foremost, I’ve always liked having a head start, and the Bacc/MAT seemed like the best way to achieve that with teaching. If the point of the MAT is to prepare students for teaching, then the Bacc/MAT felt like a way to be prepared for that preparation. Being able to take two classes as an undergrad not only provides a smooth transition, but also gives me a clearer sense of what to expect during my MAT year.

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?

When considering teaching, I realized it sat at the intersection of many of the values I wanted in my future career. It is deeply intellectual work that keeps my mind engaged while also being inherently social and active. Most of all, though, it is community-oriented and grounded in working with others. I wanted a career where I felt like I was doing good and making a difference in the lives of those around me.

What are you most excited to teach, and why?

I am most excited to teach the history of Reconstruction. It is my favorite period in American history and the subject of my undergraduate thesis. It is often overlooked in high school courses, which I think does a disservice to students who are trying to develop a fuller understanding of American history.

What is something you enjoy about living in Providence?

There is very little that I don’t enjoy about living in Providence. It is the perfect size, in a great location, and full of opportunities to become more involved in the city. Getting off College Hill and into the surrounding neighborhoods has always been one of my favorite parts of my time at Brown, and I would recommend that every student do it more often.

Who has made you the person you are today?

My past teachers! All the time, and even outside of my studies, I find myself thinking about the teachers who shaped me throughout my education. The lessons they taught me have carried into almost every part of my life, and I hope that one day I can pass that on to my own students. 

What sorts of career-building skills and knowledge have you gained since joining the program?

As someone who had only taken one education course before applying to the Bacc/MAT, the classes I’ve taken during my senior year have reshaped how I think about education. From reflecting on past experiences to preparing for my future in the classroom, the pedagogies we’ve engaged with have given me a strong theoretical foundation that I hope to continue building on.