Wife Cheryl Robles, son Sebastian and daughter Natalya
By: Cassidy Delamarter, USF College of Education
Favian Robles Jr., a father of two and a U.S. Army veteran, didn’t set out to become a teacher, but felt called to be one.
“I felt a sense of accomplishment when I would teach new solders’ new strategies and techniques,” he said. “Since being medically retired from the Army, I felt a need to continue teaching.”
After serving for 8 years, Robles decided to pursue teaching in a new setting: the elementary classroom. Although he worked full-time throughout his studies, he was determined.
“He had teachers who made a positive impact on his life and he was determined to meet his goal of becoming one of those teachers,” said Randi Latzke, elementary education program coordinator.
Robles at McDonald Elementary School, where his fifth-grade students called him "Mr. R"
Now graduating from the University of South Florida College of Education’s Elementary Education program, Robles said the experience gave him a clearer understanding of how students learn.
“I learned that every student needs a different approach,” he said. “Teaching and learning are collaborative.”
That perspective will shape his approach in the classroom, where he says his favorite part is when students begin to understand a new concept and have an “ah-ha” moment.
After graduation, Robles plans to teach in Hillsborough County and hopes to return to the same school where he completed his final internship.