Robin Harris

Robin is the the daughter of two professional classical musicians. As a small child, a favorite hiding place was the inside of the Church pipe organ. Normal life meant having tea parties with her sister underneath the legs of a grand piano, while one or the other parent practiced on it for concerts, and many child-driven concerts were given to stuffed animal audiences with real or invented musical instruments. Robin's home church in St. Louis was founded and greatly influenced by Francis Schaeffer, so she grew up immersed in and greatly valuing the arts and creativity as an essential part of her faith.

In high school she fell in love with literature, history, and philosophy, particularly of the medieval time period. She is in awe of how God has grown his Church throughout the centuries, and the incredible stories and characters that we can look to for inspiration or warning.

Robin has 19 years of experience teaching in a wide variety of contexts: middle and high school, one on one tutoring, private voice and piano lessons, choirs, Bible studies, and children’s church. Heck, she even taught Irish step dance to middle school "fairies" for their part in the school production of A Midsummer Nights’ Dream. Throughout all her teaching endeavors, it has been her joy to see students connect and engage with various aspects of God’s creation and character.

After earning degrees in Liberal Arts and Culture (New St. Andrews College) and Music Education (University of Kansas), Robin moved to Raleigh North Carolina, where she has lived for the past ten years. Until this past fall, she was the Director of Children’s Ministries for her Church, and it was through this job that she especially grew to love teaching the Bible.

When not reading, writing, or teaching, Robin can be found in the garden, coming up with a new recipe in the kitchen, playing with watercolors, or having tea with her two rabbits.

Teaching Philosophy

I grew up surrounded by books and raised by parents who were always learning (and still are to this day!). My teaching philosophy flows out of a deep love and value for life-long learning. If a teacher doesn’t love both the subject he or she is teaching and the process of learning, the students will quickly pick up on this and internalize an apathy toward learning. I strive to teach the way the best of my teachers taught me: with an eye for cultivating not just my mind but also my heart toward God’s truth. It is a deep joy to see students engage in the material with their heart, soul, and mind together. Since this is how we are to love God, it follows that we should apply ourselves in the same way when we study God’s world, Scriptures, and truth.

My teaching is highly interactive, focusing on lively discussion and creative projects. In accordance with the classical use of the Trivium to correspond with developmental stages, I believe that good teachers should provide many opportunities for debate and discussion, as well as creative projects where students can express themselves in various ways.

I believe it's absolutely vital for teachers to understand how their students are wired, both in terms of their developmental stage, and in terms of their individual design and personality. A one-size-fits all education is ineffective and irresponsible. Just as God "knows our frame" and has compassion on us as his children (Psalm 103), it is our jobs as educators to understand and steward the individual minds and hearts we have been given to shape.

Statement of Faith

I was baptized and raised in a Christian home, and raised in a PCA Church. My parents were both music directors, and I grew up with a great love and respect for robust and creative worship, liturgy, and the Word. I was confirmed at the age of ten, and attended Christian schools up through college. Being surrounded by godly teachers, mentors, and friends was an important part of my spiritual formation.

I currently belong to an Anglican Church (ACNA), where I was on staff as Director of Children's Ministry from 2011-2019. In addition, my love for Scripture and teaching has led me into various leadership roles, including community group leader and Women’s Bible Study Leader.

I heartily assent to the ancient creeds, and make personal Bible study and devotion a daily priority. As I look back on my life I see the hand of God guiding me throughout many different seasons and circumstances. I continue to look to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, trusting in his care and provision for the rest of my life.