To the Ones Who Taught Me More Than Lessons

A Tribute to Mr. Robinson… and the Teachers Who Changed My Life

Written By: Derek D. Butler-Jackson, The Accidental Chef

Some stories are hard to write, not because there’s nothing to say, but because there’s too much.

This is one of those.

The news of Mr. Robinson’s passing hit me deep. He was my high school band teacher, but even calling him that feels too small. Because Mr. Robinson didn’t just teach band. He built a community. A legacy. A family.

And he believed in every one of us.

He Expected Perfection—Because He Saw Potential

Mr. Robinson had a presence about him. The kind that made you stand a little taller, play a little louder, and march with purpose. He expected precision, especially on the field. If your toes weren’t up, your instrument wasn’t level, or your steps were off… well, let’s just say you heard about it.

But here’s the thing: even when he was hard on us, we knew it came from love. It wasn’t about control or ego, it was about making us better, together. He wanted us to feel pride in what we created.

He didn’t just teach us music. He taught us how to show up with discipline, respect, and heart.

I got to travel with him and the band to tournaments all over, competitions across the state, and even one in Toronto. He gave so many of us a chance to see the world beyond our hometowns. But no matter how far we went, he never lost sight of what mattered most: his students.

Everything he did was rooted in love. And that kind of teaching? It stays with you.

The Other Greats Who Left Their Mark

Losing Mr. Robinson got me thinking about the other teachers who shaped my life. The ones who reminded me that school isn’t just about tests and textbooks, it’s about people. About presence. About showing up for each other.

Ms. Hinebaugh – The One Who Made Me Love School Again

After a tough third-grade year, I started fourth grade carrying more anxiety than excitement. But Ms. Hinebaugh changed all that. She was warm, kind, and saw every student for who they were. Her classroom was a soft place to land, and I’ll always be grateful for the way she made school feel safe and joyful again.

Mrs. Ashby – The Math Magician

Math was never my favorite subject, but Mrs. Ashby made it approachable—and even fun. Her clear explanations and creative teaching style stuck with me. I can still picture her walking us through fractions like it was yesterday. She didn’t just teach math—she made us believe we could learn anything.

Mrs. Sherwood – The Joyful Enforcer of Details

If you were in Mrs. Sherwood’s class, you know—“Don’t say ‘stuff!’” She demanded clarity, curiosity, and confidence. You had to know what you were talking about and why. She started each morning with a song, bright-eyed and full of happiness. I know all 50 states thanks to her. She was (and still is) a ray of pure joy in the world.

Dr. Christopher Martin – From Teacher to Friend to Chosen Family

There are teachers who inspire you, and then there are teachers who become part of your life.

Dr. Christopher Martin was my screenwriting and theater history professor in college. Just a few years older than me, he had this way of teaching that felt equal parts insightful and personal. He saw potential where I saw doubt, and always encouraged me to keep reaching.

But what began in the classroom didn’t end there.

After college, we reconnected, and our relationship evolved from student and professor into something deeper. Friendship. Trust. The kind of person you can call when the world feels heavy and you just need someone to listen.

Chris became that person for me.

And a few years later, I had the honor of asking him to stand beside me on my wedding day.

Because by then, he wasn’t just a teacher or a friend, he was family.

To have him there as I said “I do” to the love of my life… it meant more than I can ever explain. He’s seen me grow, stumble, evolve, and rise. And through it all, he’s remained one of my biggest cheerleaders.

That’s what great teachers do: they show up. Long after the last bell rings.

To the Ones Who Showed Up With Love

We don’t always remember the lessons from the textbook. But we always remember the people who made us feel seen.

Mr. Robinson did that. So did Ms. Hinebaugh, Mrs. Ashby, Mrs. Sherwood, and Dr. Martin.

Each of them taught me something far greater than curriculum: they taught me how to be kind, curious, creative, and brave.

They taught me to believe in myself, even when I didn’t.

So to every teacher who has ever poured themselves into their students, who has ever stayed after class, wiped tears, pushed for excellence, or simply said, “I believe in you”—

Thank you.

You change lives every single day.

And Mr. Robinson…thank you for the music, the discipline, and the love. I hope heaven’s marching band knows how lucky they are to have you.

We’ll keep the rhythm going down here.

Do you have a teacher who has inspired you?

—Derek, The Accidental Chef 🎶