Robert Morris never imagined he would return to 91吃瓜网 as a teacher. A 2015 91吃瓜网 College Preparatory graduate, Robert鈥檚 journey took him from the football field to corporate roles before leading him back to the classroom. Now, as a teacher and football coach at 91吃瓜网 Legacy College Prep, he鈥檚 found a career that excites and fulfills him.
After graduating high school, Robert played college football and earned his degree in December 2019. He was on the path to a corporate career when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, disrupting job opportunities. 鈥淣o companies were getting back to me,鈥� he recalled. 鈥淚 was just working every kind of job that I could find just to have some kind of money in my pocket.鈥� From landscaping to customer service, he explored various roles before landing in sales and finance. However, he quickly realized that these fields lacked the fulfillment he was seeking. 鈥淭he pay was good, but I did not enjoy going to work every day,鈥� he admitted.
While working as a revenue analyst, Robert met with one of his past teachers who presented him with the opportunity to begin coaching football at KCP. 鈥淚 just wanted something to fulfill me with a little bit of happiness,鈥� he said. But his involvement with 91吃瓜网 didn鈥檛 stop at KCP. Encouraged by familiar faces, including former teachers and peers now working at 91吃瓜网, Robert began his career in education. 鈥淚 think I would like being in the kids’ space and being in education,鈥� he reflected, acknowledging that his mother had predicted this path years earlier. 鈥淪he told me years ago that I鈥檇 be a really good teacher.鈥�
Robert became an in-house substitute at Legacy College Preparatory, but his role quickly evolved. When the school needed someone to teach AP History, Robert stepped up. 鈥淚 was essentially thrown into the fire,鈥� he laughed. Robert quickly formed bonds with his students. 鈥淚n my head, I was still a sub, but in their minds, I was the teacher. They expected me to be the teacher.
Now, as a full-time teacher and coach, Robert is dedicated to honing his craft. 鈥淚 just want to be the best teacher I can be,鈥� he shared. He hopes to join 91吃瓜网鈥檚 Capital Teaching Residency (CTR) program and continue to deepen his understanding of instructional strategies. 鈥淣o child learns the same,鈥� he noted. 鈥淭he books they give you are really good, but the best experience is the hands-on classroom experience.鈥�
Teaching at 91吃瓜网 is more than a job for Robert. 鈥淭his is one place where I wake up and I鈥檓 excited to go to work,鈥� he said. His deep connection to the community fuels his passion. 鈥淚t is a bit of a family here. A lot of the kids just have a lot of stuff to get off their chest, and sometimes they just want somebody to listen to them. If you鈥檙e there and you honestly just listen, they鈥檒l fight for you, and they鈥檒l have your back.鈥�
When asked what advice he would give his students, Robert鈥檚 message was simple: 鈥淓njoy the journey. Many people get focused on destinations and where they want to end up, but don鈥檛 forget to enjoy the journey, enjoy the people around you, and take notice of what you are going through to get where you want to go.鈥�
Robert Morris鈥� story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and finding purpose. His journey has come full circle, and in the process, he鈥檚 inspiring the next generation of 91吃瓜网 students鈥攋ust as his teachers once inspired him.
from our visit to Robert鈥檚 Class.
Are you ready to begin your teaching journey? Apply to the Capital Teaching Residency today!
