Dr. Robin Stephenson has spent her career building relationships with students, families and educators across Carroll County Schools. Now, as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, she is preparing to expand that work beyond the walls of one school and across the entire district.
Stephenson, a Carroll County native, steps into the role after serving as principal of Carroll County Middle School, where she became known for her visibility, approachable leadership and genuine connection with students.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Stephenson to the district leadership team,” said Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes. “Over these last four years at CCMS her leadership has developed a team of administrators and teachers who have transformed the school both culturally and academically. I look forward to working with Dr. Stephenson on her transition to the Chief Academic Officer role and what her impact will be on the district systems for our Panther Path and our Panther Foundations.”
Knowing students by name was not simply a leadership style for Stephenson. It was an expectation she placed on herself every day.
“I think it’s important to know every child’s name,” Stephenson said. “I try to greet every student in the hallway, ask them how they’re doing and say their name.”
That simple practice reflects a larger philosophy that has guided her career. Students, she believes, need to know the adults around them, see them, care about them and believe in their potential.
After helping lead significant growth and improvement at Carroll County Middle School during the past four years, Stephenson said she felt ready to take on a broader challenge.
“I’ve attempted to facilitate a great staff here at the middle school, and we’ve been able to make a big turnaround and make a big impact on our students,” she said. “I felt like it was time to take that to the district level and increase the breadth of impact.”
Her priorities in the new role center on three core commitments: instructional excellence, strong systems and leadership development.
Stephenson plans to spend her first months strengthening relationships with principals and instructional coaches, studying school systems and ensuring communication remains clear from the district office to classrooms.
“I really want to be boots on the ground in schools and classrooms,” she said. That classroom-centered approach comes from a career that has taken her through nearly every level of Carroll County Schools. She began teaching at Cartmell Elementary, later served as assistant principal at Kathryn Winn Primary and Cartmell, and became principal at Carroll County Middle School in 2022.
As a teacher, she learned the importance of communication and family partnerships. As an administrator, she embraced visibility, transparency and supporting staff growth through coaching and professional learning communities.
Her passion for working with children began long before her education career officially started. Stephenson taught Sunday school while still in college and saw firsthand the influence caring adults can have on young people. She also points to her mother as an example of compassion and connection with children.
“I’m drawn to helping kids,” she said. “I love being around kids, and I love seeing the positive influence.”
Even as she moves into district leadership, stepping away from daily interaction with students may be one of the biggest adjustments.
“I’ve always been around kids,” she said. “My goal is to still support schools, do walkthroughs with principals and instructional coaches and still see my kids.”
As her July 1 start date approaches, Stephenson is already studying policies, procedures and state requirements while preparing for her new responsibilities. Yet amid discussions of systems, instruction and leadership, she has not lost sight of the small touches that define her approach. “I’m thankful for the opportunity,” she said. “I want to continue to give back and serve my community and let our kids know there is so much potential for them out there in this world, and they just have to go for it.”