{"id":14720,"date":"2026-01-26T16:48:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T21:48:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/?p=14720"},"modified":"2026-01-26T16:48:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T21:48:53","slug":"a-dream-comes-true-for-green-run-collegiate-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/a-dream-comes-true-for-green-run-collegiate-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"A dream comes true for Green Run Collegiate teacher"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>By Cindy Butler Focke<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Jay Robeson recently shared a secret with his students.<\/p>\n

He will be a TEDx speaker Feb. 13 at Christopher Newport University (CNU).<\/p>\n

Rayden Banaag said they were excited to learn their Green Run Collegiate(GRC) English teacher was chosen for the honor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of us clapped, while some of us started asking questions and congratulating him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The GRC freshman said his teacher inspires students to grow and believes in their potential.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis high expectations, encouragement and guidance have had a real impact on me, both in and out of the classroom,\u201d Rayden said.<\/p>\n

TED talks began in the 1980s as part of \u201cTechnology, Entertainment and Design\u201d conferences worldwide focused on \u201cideas worth sharing.\u201d \u00a0TEDx talks bring the experience to local communities using a similar format.<\/p>\n

CNU has hosted an annual TEDx talk for the past four years.<\/p>\n

TEDx speakers should be captivating and able to present an idea with passion and clarity, said Will Reddy, associate director of the CNU President\u2019s Leadership Program.<\/p>\n

Presenters should answer, \u201cWhat idea do you have to share with the world that everyone needs to hear right now?\u201d Reddy said.<\/p>\n

Many applicants were submitted this year, and there\u2019s a waiting list to be one of approximately 100 members of the public in attendance, he noted.<\/p>\n

Robeson graduated from Tabb High School in Yorktown and earned a kinesiology degree from Longwood University.<\/p>\n

After working on a cruise ship for several years in Florida, he taught exchange students at an international school. The positive experience led him to pursue a career as a high school teacher.<\/p>\n

Three years ago, he began his teaching career at GRC and is the school\u2019s 2026 \u201cTeacher of the Year.\u201d<\/p>\n

In October of last year, while on the TED website searching resources for a storytelling unit, Robeson noticed applications were being accepted for the TEDx talk at CNU in Newport News.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I had ideas and things to say,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He submitted his application, including a one-minute video, just days before the deadline.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever in a million years did I think I\u2019d be considered,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He was notified of his selection in late 2025.<\/p>\n

Robeson \u2018s TEDx talk of approximately 12-15 minutes will focus on the importance of listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe as humans need to listen,\u201d he said. \u00a0\u201cThe most important thing for us in a learning environment is to be present.\u201d<\/p>\n

That means, \u201csit down, be present and create the conditions for people to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

He shared parts of his rough draft with students.<\/p>\n

Their feedback was invaluable, Robeson said. \u201cIt\u2019s been really cool to see them invested in this.\u201d<\/p>\n

His students are proud.<\/p>\n

Sophie Tyler said he has always encouraged her to do her best, while Ronaq Haider said Robeson has continually guided him down the right path.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Robeson is a determined educator who provides his students with lifelong lessons, advice, and of course IB English skills,\u201d Francesca Reinna Resurreccion added.<\/p>\n

The GRC teacher said being selected for a TEDx talk has been \u201cexciting and humbling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a dream come true for me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Head of School Rianne Patricio said the students and staff are ecstatic that Robeson will be sharing his passion for teaching with a wider audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Robeson embodies Green Run Collegiate\u2019s mission and vision of pursuing lifelong learning,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe constantly seeks ways to inspire his students to be curious, to take risks and to never settle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robeson\u2019s TEDx talk will be livestreamed and posted later in the year. When available, details can be found on the TEDxCNU webpage.<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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