Introduction:
Having known Robert Infantry for quite a number of years, it did not come as a surprise to me to hear that he had recently claimed the coveted Teacher of the Year award for North Clayton High School. After all, Robert is totally committed to excellence in everything that he does. This is quite evident when you examine the many and varied ventures and adventures in his past, and his remarkable achievements. In fact, at one time or the other he was a cable franchise entrepreneur, a teacher at the secondary and tertiary levels, an Advanced Placement Reader in English Literature for the College Boards, and a soccer coach. On top of all that, he is well traveled. He has lived and worked in Jamaica, in Canada, in the United States, back in Jamaica, and now, back in the United States, once again.
Teaching Career - The Beginnings:
Robert Infantry had earned a B.A. degree from the City College of New York. As a recent graduate, he entered the field of education shortly afterwards in 1976 in response to a desperate plea from his native Jamaica for highly qualified, highly committed teachers. Thus began an illustrious career in the field of education. He had his first teaching assignment, which was probably baptism by fire, at Ruseas High School on the western end of the island in the parish of Hanover.
Although he was already a graduate, Robert nevertheless decided to hone his skills even further. In the early 80’s he went back to college and earned another degree, this time his bachelors in education from the University of Toronto. After that he taught in Toronto high schools from 1981 to 1994.
In 1994 Robert Infantry joined the staff at Clark Atlanta University’s School of Education. He remained on staff until 1995, when he was forced to return home to Jamaica to attend to family matters when he lost his father and stepmother.
Business Venture - An Unlikely Adventure:
Upon his relocation home, it did not take long before Robert decided to dabble into business. Considering that the cable business was just in its infancy in Jamaica in 1995, and also considering that Robert basically had no knowledge of the industry, his adventure was deemed to be risky. Robert was not deterred, however, and in the end, his business sense paid rich dividends.
In 1997 Robert sold his cable business. By then the business had been competing heavily for his time. This is important because, even while he ran the business along with several highly capable members of staff, Robert had not given up on his main passion. Incredibly, during that same period Robert was also on staff as a teacher at Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the city of his birth.
Teaching Passion Renewed and Expanded:
Robert soon returned to Atlanta, and this time he joined the staff at North Clayton High School. He has been on staff for ten years running, and he continues to excel. His May 2008 teacher of the year award is just one more accolade to add to the treasure chest of awards and trophies that he has earned and collected. That achievement was a much needed and positive beacon of light in a county where the school system has received much negative publicity in recent years.
In 2002 Robert earned an Education Specialist degree from Georgia State University. In addition, in 2007 he did a stint as a soccer coach, and there, again, he had numerous successes.
Robert’s Philosophy:
I had a chance to explore Robert’s mind, basically to find out what makes him the great educator so many people know him to be. For one, I wanted to know what makes a person a truly great educator. He explained that a great educator is one who can connect with the learner, has a sharp mind, and is compassionate and perceptive. He added that “this person also has a strong desire to teach, is knowledgeable, loves intellectual interaction, cares about the students' achievement, and is not money-driven.”
Because Robert has taught in Jamaica, in Canada and in America, I asked him to tell me what he thinks about the students in those three countries. Even though he didn’t have to answer any question with which he felt uncomfortable, he ignored my caution and answered the question quite confidently and honestly. He said that “Jamaican students are innocent, appreciative and respectful. Canadian students are close to that. Atlanta's students are street-smart, they know their rights, they take everything for granted, and they expect everything, without showing appreciation.”
Asked to compare teaching at the high school, teacher’s college and university levels, he assured me that at the teacher’s college and university levels, a teacher has more academic freedom and virtually no management problems. He also characterized the experience at these higher levels as being “impersonal,” however. Teaching at the high school level affords better pay for one who does not have a terminal degree, and affords more personal and professional interaction with the students.
On the matter related to the potentially volatile and explosive accreditation situation within the Clayton County School System, I asked Robert how he would solve the problem, to which he responded without hesitation: “Fire everybody - board, administrators and teachers, and let them reapply for their jobs with new rules for everybody - including students and parents. Initiate new policies for attendance and behavior. Let the Governor select a new school board because the voters are not sophisticated (experienced?) enough to do it.”
Finally, I wanted to find out what frustrates his most as a teacher. Since he is a high achiever his frank response did not come as a surprise. He said that he is most frustrated by systems that reduce academic rigor, which in turn causes mediocrity to set in. “They (administrators) give in to pressure from parents and pass failing students. This increases incompetence in the society, and devalues education,” he explained.
On a lighter note, he elaborated on the fact that he had no special heroes. He also said that “heroism is a concept in my mind that admires people who are principled, straightforward, act with integrity, and stand up for their beliefs.”
Final Thoughts:
Robert lives in Stockbridge, Georgia with his wife of 18 years, Annemarie, and his son Cameron. Will this avid traveler spend the rest of his working life in Atlanta? Consider this: In 1994 when he had first moved to Atlanta, he wrote an article that paid glowing tribute to the city’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Even so, on the question as to whether he would settle in Georgia for good, he wrote that in four years he would probably move farther south (in the Unites States). That was ten years ago.
In the end Robert would like to be remembered simply as one who had a sense of humor and one who did his job well. Well said!
Submitted by Derrick R. Wright, director, KCOBA-GA, and contributing editor, using the following resources:
Mr. Infantry’s written response to a questionnaire I gave him
A 1994 article by Robert Infantry entitled “A City with Soul”
An undated statement by Robert Infantry entitled simply “Philosophy”
Photograph provided by Robert Infantry
My personal recollections from previous encounters and discussions with Robert Infantry (including a visit with him during his Sam Sharpe days, as well as a tour of his cable enterprise)
