As a child, Albert Robertson enjoyed spending time with his grandmother. She taught kindergarten and was the type of educator that made the work of learning disappear. Robertson may have thought he was counting stamps to trade in at the Piggly Wiggly Greenbax store, but he was really learning mathematics, money management and more. He knew then that he wanted to be an educator that could provide this magic for his own students one day.

Robertson began his teaching career in middle school social studies before going on to work at the district office in a variety of roles. He served as the President of the South Carolina Council for Social Studies and the President of the South Carolina Social Studies Supervisors Association. He was part of a cohort in his district who had the opportunity to pursue a master’s in education administration. His journey with the College of Education did not end there; he has also assisted in the creation of micro-credentials and been part of the Writing Improvement Network.

“My favorite part about the cohort experience was that I was able to work with people throughout my district in a new capacity,” says Robertson.

When the pandemic began, like many professionals, he began reflecting on what he wanted out of his career.

“I missed the kids,” says Robertson. “I missed the everyday work of being a teacher and school leader. I wanted to be back on the ground amid the action. You really feel the impact of your work when you are in a school building.”

He made the shift and returned to an elementary school where he helped – any way he could during that stressful season. No job was too small, and he found himself serving breakfast and lunch in classrooms, greeting kids in the morning and serving as a substitute teacher and administrator. He found joy in helping educators navigate the new normal and found his footing for a new career path.

“I spoke with the principal and my supervisor and asked to help out as assistant principal that year,” says Robertson. “It has now been five years at Lexington Elementary, and I am still loving my job. There is never a dull moment, and each day brings its own adventures and challenges.”

He spends his time working with students and families, balancing discipline and instruction.

“I love assisting the principal and helping our folks to live out the mission and the vision of our school that we're working to build together at LES,” says Robertson.

This passion for service recently gained Robertson district-wide recognition. He was named the 2025 recipient of the Joseph M. Bedenbaugh Administrator of the Year award, honoring exceptional administrators in the district.

The award ceremony had its own set of surprises. Robertson thought he was attending a board meeting so his principal could attend to a family matter. When his name was called at the meeting, his principal and family members were there to celebrate with him. This recognition comes with a scrapbook of photos and letters from Robertson’s colleagues throughout the years including fellow administrators, educators and even parents of his students. 

“I was looking through this book thinking, I'm so thankful that I've had the opportunity to work with all these people and that I've made a positive impact,” says Robertson. “I care about how I make you feel in this building, making a positive impact on the culture of our elementary school and shifting mindsets in this place. You don’t often get to see your impact.”

He was surprised again when his school threw a parade in his honor. He thought they were practicing for the fifth-grade graduation walk and found out the parade was for him! Robertson hopes that this recognition will inspire others to recognize the great things happening in classrooms around our state.