Dr. Bob O’Connor has been named Teacher of the Year at Robertsville Middle School. He teaches 5-8 Special Education. Dr. O’Connor teaches students who have struggled in school environments that do not account for or address their disabilities. His classroom practices focus on fostering individual needs and providing a therapeutic environment for optimal mental health. He spends time with each student to overcome personal obstacles that have a negative impact on daily interactions. Dr. O’Connor uses techniques such as Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Problem Solving to help students develop these skills. His expectations center on respect and cooperation to develop relationships that will enable personal growth. His ultimate goal is to guide his students toward successful participation in general education classrooms with some level of independence.
