CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- The bucket of flour didn't surprise Catherine Betts.
As a seventh-grade student in Jason Robinson's science class, she knew never to try to predict her teacher's lessons.
"He came in and said, 'We're going to do an experiment today.' You never know what to expect," she said, laughing.
That particular day's class was spent learning how craters are created on the surface of the moon, Catherine said, but that was only one example of many.
Thanks to his passionate, exciting and unpredictable teaching, Dr. Robinson, named the top teacher in Bradley County, now has been nominated for the statewide Teacher of the Year award.
"I'm just totally humbled," he said. "I think that this nomination is not only a reflection of me, but of the students I teach every day, the families I'm involved with. I try as a teacher to not only impact the students in my classroom, but the whole community that we live in."
As a way to reach out to his Bradley County community, Dr. Robinson and his wife, Faith, a kindergarten teacher at Ocoee Middle School, started summer science camps at Lee University six years ago.
The camps, which are for students in grades second through eighth, have become so popular that the Robinsons have taken them overseas to South Korea, Argentina, Ecuador and, soon, Cambodia.
"They're spreading like wildfire," said Dr. Robinson, who also said he uses the camp as a Christian ministry tool. "Our goal is to not only teach the kids science-related topics, but we want to raise up leaders."
In Dr. Robinson's 13 years teaching in Bradley County, he said he's learned that the relationship he forms with each student is the most important part of his teaching.
"I'm not my students' best friend. I allow them to have a say in the classroom; we form a great relationship of mutual respect," he said. "I think that relationships also have to be formed with families."
Dr. Robinson said he realizes he doesn't necessarily teach the most popular subject in school, but he works to overcome the stigma.
"Every student doesn't love science ... but they at least leave (my classroom) appreciating science because I make it fun and relevant to their lives," he said.
Jeremy Jones, a math teacher at Ocoee, was part of the teacher group that nominated Dr. Robinson for the teacher of the year award. He said Mr. Robinson is "unbelievable" in his ability to form relationships with students, always making sure to call on each by name.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES* Lisa Bell: Camden Elementary, Benton County* Deborah Chancellor: Minglewood Elementary, Clarksville-Montgomery County* Cheryl Deaton: Pigeon Forge Primary, Sevier County* Davis Falvey: Snowden School, Memphis City* Janey Jackson: Germantown High School, Shelby County* Karen Kelley: Pigeon Forge High School, Sevier County* Jason Robinson: Ocoee Middle School, Bradley County* Dianne Sawyer: Tullahoma High School, Tullahoma City* Debbie Vaughn: Castle Heights Upper Elementary, Lebanon Special School DistrictSource: Tennessee Department of Education
"He shows a very natural enthusiasm for the students ... takes science and steers away from a textbook manner," he said.
Although Dr. Robinson has no idea what to expect when the final results are announced in August, Catherine thinks his odds are good.
"He deserves it. He's probably the best teacher I've ever had."
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JASON ROBINSON ON:
* Tennessee's new teacher evaluation plan: "I don't think excellent teachers have a problem with accountability. I think, however, that teachers should be measured on much more than a student's test score. I know the students in my classroom sometimes don't achieve very high test scores, but that doesn't mean they're not progressing or I'm not doing my job as a teacher. There should be multiple approaches, including an interview process: observe my classroom, talk to my students, talk to their parents. Then look at the test scores."
* Teacher morale: "It has an overall impact on school environment. If we keep our teachers happy, I think that's key in improving test scores. We spend so much time, emphasis and money on new programs ... which are all great, but I think before we do anything, we have to raise those morale levels."