As director of student achievement and innovation for Portage Township Schools, Robert Wilson dedicates his life to the success of Portage students. He is a liaison between students and the bountiful resources, community partners, and opportunities available to them. Wilson says his career is more than just a job.
“Kids need a person to listen, be supportive, and give direction, but not assume any judgement,” Wilson said. “My success has been being able to talk to the kids and relate to those things while giving options.”
Wilson grew up in Calumet township and was a part of a large, loving family with eight children. Sadly, when Wilson was just 6 years old, his father was killed by a drunk driver.
“My dad’s death has influenced me to care and worry about people,” Wilson said. “It lead me to this career and made me grow up a little bit faster.”
Wilson’s mother managed to keep the family afloat as a single parent because of her strong faith and work ethic. Watching his mother persevere instilled valuable traits in Wilson. He said he learned there is no guarantees in life, your future is in your hands, and hard work will overcome any obstacle.
“My mom always pushed me and my family to be better the next day,” Wilson said. “She would say, ‘God will never place anything on shoulders you can’t handle.’”
Sports and outdoor activities have been important to Wilson throughout his life. He was proud to receive a football scholarship from North Central College. At the time, he never considered education as a career path. Unfortunately, tragedy would strike again and he had to hang up his football helmet.
“I was hit by a drunk driver and I could no longer play football,” Wilson shared. “At first I was angry. I dreamed of doing something bigger and suddenly, I had to think differently.”
After the accident, Wilson transferred to Indiana University Northwest and worked with troubled youth at Porter-Starke Services. The experience opened his eyes to another line of work, and he felt called to become a therapist or a teacher. Along the way, people shared that he would make a great teacher.
“I wanted to be in a position to guide young minds and instill in them that they could do something great,” Wilson said. “I’ve never met a kid who didn’t want to succeed.”
Wilson’s first job in public schools was at an elementary school in Hobart. It was evident from the start that he had a special ability: working with struggling students. Wilson felt called to be there without judgment for students who had difficulty with academics, social skills, or behavior. He decided to go back to school to get an administrative licence.
“Once I had my administrative license, I started in Hammond as an assistant principal,” Wilson said. “What I learned is that kids need a person to listen and be supportive. Kids respond well and crave that direction, especially to someone who doesn’t judge them. My success has been able to talk to the kids, work with them and relate to those things.”
Now, as director of achievement & innovation, Wilson has the opportunity to go the next step in building student success. Wilson directs a dream team of support, from law enforcement, to mental health agencies, to community partners, and beyond. He believes it takes a whole community to positively affect a student’s success.
“The best part of my job is that I’m able to identify resources and link those to people in need,” Wilson shared. “For instance, if a student needs extra tutoring, we can work it out with family, or if we have a student who experiences a loss, we can connect their family with help.”
Wilson is open with his own setbacks, in hopes that it will inspire others to come forward and ask for help. He leads by example so the community can see themselves as a family.
When Wilson is not at work, he is passionate about the outdoors. He enjoys fishing, woodwork, biking, kayaking, and sports. He also loves to spend time with his wife, four children, two of whom are fosters. For Wilson, his life is rich in so many ways.
“Don’t get rich with money, get rich with relationship and the stories of people you help.”