Meet the Middle School Art Teacher Going Beyond the Binary

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Nairobi Colón is an art teacher at KIPP Hatch Middle School in Camden, NJ, and entering their seventh year of teaching. They're known as Teacher Robi to avoid gendered titles both in the classroom and on TikTok and Instagram, where they share what it's like to be a nonbinary art teacher. Keep reading to get to know them.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
I always wanted to be the kind of teacher I needed growing up. I also love art and I love kids. I've always been really great with kids ever since I can remember, so teaching kids art is joyful for me and them.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing kids graduate and go on to do great things. Anytime a kid comes back to the school to tell me how much I meant to them or how much they appreciated my guidance or class is always wonderful.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was my high school art teacher. She was kindhearted and gentle, but still expected a lot of me and pushed me to reach my full potential.

What's your go-to teaching uniform?
My go-to teaching uniform is a comfortable cargo pant with a T-shirt or button-down shirt, depending on how I'm feeling that day. I also love accessorizing my outfit, from hats or bandanas to jewelry. I like expressing myself through my attire. I'm lucky enough to work at a place that allows me to dress how I feel comfortable while also still being professional.

What's your morning routine on a school day?
When I'm not running late, I'll wake up and get ready for work — brush my teeth, shower, get dressed — then I'll eat breakfast, pack my lunch for the day, feed and walk my dog, Nala, then head to work to make sure my lesson is ready to go.

How do you practice self-care?
I go to therapy once a week and I absolutely love my therapist. I also take time to draw anything I want. Drawing and creating art is a way for me to relax my mind. I also like going to the gym about three to four times a week. Another way I like to take care of my mental health is by journaling anytime I feel like I need to. Being in nature is another way I choose to take care of myself by just enjoying a body of water or taking a hike. Even something small like going to the park is a great way to feel good in general.

What are you watching?
Currently rewatching "The Walking Dead" and the new season of "Game of Thrones." Both series are favorites of mine. I also just started "Supacell" on Netflix, which I love and think is an amazing show.

What are you reading?
Currently finishing "Dominicana" by Angie Cruz. Great book!

How do you keep from getting sick during the school year?
Whew, chile, this is a hard one. My immune system is definitely super strong at this point, because when I started teaching I was getting sick all the time. Now I drink ginger tea when I feel any kind of cold coming on and I take vitamins daily to help maintain a healthy body.

What's your go-to feel-good music?
Afrobeats and neo soul are two of my favorite genres.

Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women's lifestyle spaces. She's passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.