Alumni Spotlight

This month, our Alumni Spotlight shines on Brian Robbins, a proud 1998 Methacton graduate whose career has truly come full circle within the district. After earning his degree, Brian returned to Methacton High School to become a social studies teacher. His dedication to students and proven leadership skills led to his current position as the Interim Assistant Principal, where he exemplifies Methacton's core values of commitment and empowerment.

Brian’s Methacton story started in kindergarten at Arrowhead Elementary, back when the school housed grades K–5. One of his fondest memories from those early years was attending Outdoor Education, the same beloved program today’s fifth graders continue to enjoy.

He went on to Arcola Intermediate School for grades 6–8, where he became active in student council and began his school sports career. During his high school years, Brian played soccer, baseball, ran track, and wrestled. The boys’ soccer team won the Suburban One Championship during his freshman year, which served as a major source of motivation for him throughout the rest of high school.

“I think it’s important to be on teams because winning and losing are both valuable lessons to learn. I learned a lot about being a good teammate because I was never a star,” he said. “I did it because being on a team was important.”

Reflecting on his high school years, Brian recalls the high school was under construction and the mid-wing did not exist. He says the athletic facilities have improved greatly since his time as a student. He said the school has grown so much over the years, now offering more classes and an Advanced Placement program. At the same time, he finds that students still look forward to many of the same activities that he did, including the homecoming dance and football games.

Brian took Chemistry with Mr. Outland and Environmental Science with Mr. Savitz, both of whom he has now worked alongside as colleagues for nearly twenty years. Brian also fondly remembers Ms. Clipsham, Ms. Cottanero, and Mr. Kellon as faculty members who made his time as a student especially meaningful.

His coaches taught him a lot in high school, which is a big reason why he wanted to become one himself. Coaching is what led him to teaching, and it’s something he’s always been grateful for.

“I knew that I liked sports, and being that person for a kid someday was what I wanted most,” he said.

Brian graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and worked in the business industry for two and a half years. However, it was after volunteering as a boys' soccer coach with Dr. Paul Spiewak that he found his true passion—working with students. This realization prompted him to pursue a Master of Arts in Education from Cabrini College, which he finished in 2005. During this time, he completed his student teaching at Methacton High School before officially joining the district in 2006 as a high school social studies teacher.

Mr. Robbins also continued his involvement in athletics, this time as a Methacton coach, taking over the freshman boys’ soccer team in 2004, then coaching junior varsity for two seasons before becoming the varsity head coach from 2007 through 2013.

In addition to soccer, he assisted with the baseball program as needed and served as an assistant swimming coach.

In 2015, Brian earned his administrative certification from the University of Scranton. This fall, he began serving as Interim Assistant Principal and looks forward to continuing his leadership journey.

“It is fun to do different projects and deal with the day-to-day challenges that arise at any time. Meeting students and their families in challenging situations is probably the biggest change, but so far it has been a very rewarding experience.”

At home, he jokingly admits that his wife, a veterinarian, is better at helping their three children (ages 12, 10, and 6) with their schoolwork. While family life keeps him busy, Brian maintains strong ties to his past. He still keeps in touch with his closest high school friends, saying:

“I made really great friends that I still see in my day-to-day life. It’s pretty cool to watch my kids play sports and compete with or against my buddies’ kids.”

Reflecting on his own school experience, he encourages current Methacton students to get involved:

“Methacton offers you a lot of things to try, so try them. It’s better to know you don’t like something than to never try.”

If you are -- or know -- a Methacton graduate who should be featured in the ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT, complete the interest form here.

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Website: www.methacton.org/alumnispotlight
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