Administrator Spotlight

Amy Robson

Federal Programs Coordinator, Flippin Public School District

Amy Robson, Federal Programs Coordinator for the Flippin School District, is a fourth-generation teacher in her family, but she did not pursue a career in teaching in the beginning. "I started out developing programs for children outside of the school day. I was always drawn to helping those students that needed the most support and later transitioned to mental health services in schools. I worked for a community mental health center and managed wraparound services for our fivecounty area." She met her husband while providing mental health services at Flippin School District, and later decided to become a teacher while expecting their child, endeavoring to be a mom and still have a positive impact on young people in her community. She first taught Middle School Business Education and then moved to Federal Programs, all within the Flippin School District.

Amy finds Federal Programs is "like a giant puzzle with the goal of fitting the pieces together to provide what is best for kids based on relevant data and individual strengths. I love it when people identify needs across the district and challenge me with finding ways to make it a reality." As a non-traditional educator, she believes her background in mental health and community program administration has added to her classroom perspective on how to meet the needs of students. While she misses being in the classroom and getting to work individually with students, she remains passionate about meeting student needs, seeking out time to write extra grants that support subsistence necessities and programs for students that go beyond regular school programming. Amy feels her greatest professional accomplishment has been using grants to develop a Student Support Office that offers services and supports for students identified as experiencing homelessness as well as others in need. These supports include food, clothing, counseling services, medical/dental care and ensuring full participation in school extracurricular activities. In recognition of her work, she recently received a State Leadership Award for Arkansas from the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators.

Amy says the most challenging part of her job is not having enough hours in the day to accomplish all the goals she sets for herself. "Sometimes compliance is not the most fun. I try to make sure the individuals I work with feel supported and have what they need to do their jobs." She says those considering a career in Federal Programs should know that it is very different from being in the classroom. "If you can stay organized and be willing to adapt to a changing environment, you will be successful. Don’t be scared to write for a challenging grant. You may just surprise yourself."

? Q&A ! with Amy Robson

What is the best advice you have ever received?

All things work together for good to the children of God. To those called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I am a farmer’s daughter; I love raising chickens and running the head shoot on family cow working days. I don’t mind picking up rocks and clearing brush, especially if it ends with a bonfire. Time spent at our family farm with my parents is precious to me. My husband and I are working to instill in our 10-year-old the love of being outside and the value of hard work.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

Gardening, baking quiche and cinnamon rolls, reading past my bedtime, walking our German Shephard, kayaking at the river, and spending time with my family.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I would love to travel to New Zealand where my husband’s family originates to meet family members and explore the islands.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

Full time cow rancher.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to be a successful Federal Programs Coordinator at Flippin School District while having managed to find the perfect work life balance.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

Being a member of AAEA and AAFC has allowed me to collaborate with other administrators across the state and support those new to federal programs while still learning from my peers and mentors. My membership allows me to stay informed with happenings at the state and federal levels. Region 9’s Federal Coordinator group is strong and always supports one another. I serve as the Secretary on the AAFC state board and enjoy working to contribute to our membership.