Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
Robin Harrison Claborn, the assistant principal at Sumiton Elementary School, is a dedicated community builder with a deep passion for fostering growth in students and fellow educators. With a career spanning 23 years entirely within the Walker County school system, Claborn’s journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to student and community development.
Claborn’s career began in the classroom at Cordova Elementary, followed by Valley Jr. High. “When I was in the classroom, I had kids come into second grade not able to read, and I could take them and work with them. They were reading Magic Treehouse chapter books by the time they left second grade,” she recalls, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Seeing the difference is the biggest reward.”
This hands-on experience with students ignited her passion for literacy and motivated her to become a reading coach, aiming to impact even more lives.
“Valley was one of the first schools to really dive into the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI),” she explains. “I loved the strategies, the professional development, and the support the state gave us through ARI. It was new and exciting! I loved the thought process behind ARI and how it came to be, the collaborative nature of it, and how it encouraged both educators and students to work together,”
Her enthusiasm for ARI led her to roles as a reading coach at Sipsey Jr. High and Curry Elementary. However, Claborn soon realized that she needed to step into an administrative role to make a more substantial impact.
In 2005, Claborn returned to school to obtain her administrative degree, holding onto it while starting her family. Once her children were old enough, she assumed the role of assistant principal at Sumiton Elementary School, where she has served for the past four years. “As a reading coach, I could enhance the individual classrooms I worked in, but as an administrator, through collaboration and strategy, I can support the whole school,” she says.
Claborn’s connection to Sumiton Elementary is evident in her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment. “I love Sumiton; this is where I’m from. I graduated K-12 through East Walker schools, so being able to come back home and support my East Walker community, the community that raised me, means everything,”
Claborn and SES Principal Dr. Barry Wilson prioritize community involvement and ensure that every student feels welcomed and loved from the moment they arrive at school. Every morning, Claborn arrives at school by 6:50 AM to discuss goals and plans for the day with Dr. Wilson. By 7:10 AM, they are greeting students with hugs and smiles, reinforcing a sense of stability and care. “It’s imperative for us that those kids know that the same people are there every day for them,” she emphasizes. “I tell the kids, ‘Mrs. Claborn promises you three things. At this school, you’re going to be loved, you’re going to be fed, and you’re going to be safe.’”
Claborn also believes in maintaining an open-door policy with teachers and staff, fostering a supportive environment that directly benefits students. “If the adults here feel safe and like someone has their back, then they create a safe and loving environment for the kids,” she explains. Communication with parents is also a cornerstone of her approach, ensuring they know she cares deeply about their children’s success. “When the parents know you care and that you want the best for their kids, they’re on your side and will do pretty much whatever they need to do to help their child succeed.”
Balancing her demanding career with family life, Claborn and her husband, Jody, have been married for 20 years and have a 17-year-old son, Jace, and a 14-year-old daughter, Heather Reese. They cherish their family time and spend summers at their family property in Florida, creating cherished memories.
Despite being eligible for retirement in two years, Claborn’s love for her job makes the decision to retire challenging. Recently, she completed her first year at Birmingham School of Law, contemplating a future in contract law. Yet, the idea of stepping away from her beloved Sumiton Elementary School is hard for her to consider, especially following record years like the 2023-2024 school year in which the school’s performance data moved in a continuously positive trajectory.
As she continues to contemplate the next chapter of her life, whether it leads to a career in law or a continued journey in education, one thing remains certain: Robin Claborn’s impact on Sumiton Elementary School and the Walker County community is profound and lasting, and her dedication to fostering a supportive environment for both students and educators has not only transformed classrooms but also built a resilient community grounded in care and collaboration. WL
