How did your time at Union inform your current path?
My time at Union College was pivotal to shaping my path as an educator and writer. The mentorship and guidance I received from Dr. Martha Huggins in the Sociology Department and Drs. George and Sharon Gmelch were particularly impactful. The dedication and passion for their fields inspired me to pursue a career in education and to become an author of children’s books. Their influence not only deepened my understanding of sociological and anthropological concepts but instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning and teaching.”
- Unseld Robinson '93, assistant principal, Buffalo Public Schools; children’s book author
Teachers are so often taken for granted, but more than almost anyone else, they change us.
For Dr. Unseld Robinson ’93, it was one of his very first teachers who made all the difference.
“I was inspired to become an educator by the profound influence of my first-grade teacher. Her dedication to creating a caring and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their racial or economic background, left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “Witnessing the impact that a passionate and compassionate educator can have on young lives sparked my own desire to make a positive difference through education.”
Today, Robinson is an assistant principal with Buffalo Public Schools, where he supervises teachers and students, fosters parent engagement and collaborates with community stakeholders. He’s spent 31 years in education, so he knows how wonderous it can be. And how difficult.
“Witnessing students’ growth and development, both personally and academically, brings me immense joy and serves as a reminder of the impact educators can have on young lives,” said Robinson, who majored in political science and minored in sociology/anthropology at Union. “But with rewards, come challenges.”
“And one of the most significant challenges I face is navigating the complexities of managing a diverse school community while ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.”
The resources students need aren’t just strictly academic, either, which is why Robinson decided to become a writer, too. In the last five years, he has authored seven children’s books in The Bayside Bunch series (geared toward K-5 readers).
“I wrote these books to address a need I observed for literature that not only entertains children but also teaches them important life lessons,” he explained. “In today’s complex world, children face numerous challenges, and I wanted to provide them with stories that inspire empathy, encourage resilience and promote positive decision-making.”
“By creating relatable characters and engaging narratives, I aim to empower children to make thoughtful choices and navigate the ups and downs of growing up with confidence and compassion,” he added.
Titles in the series include The Bayside Bunch Quarantined in Queens; The Bayside Bunch Go See The Principal; The Bayside Bunch Breathing is Believing; The Bayside Bunch Meets the New Girl; The Bayside Bunch Friendship Matters; Let Me Tell My Story: Journal for Kids with the Bayside Bunch; and Celebrate Kindness & Diversity with The Bayside Bunch Coloring & Activity Book.
Robinson bases his books on real people he knew growing up in New York City.
“The Bayside Bunch is a combination of family and friends – individuals I’ve known more than 45 years,” he told WKBW in 2020. “We were just a group of boys, kinda hanging out near the bay and just experiencing different adventures and learning from each other, so that’s how the concept of the Bayside Bunch came about.”
Robinson hopes his books offer a valuable resource to teachers in English language arts and social-emotional learning classrooms, and that young readers see themselves and their potential in his characters.
“By promoting literacy and fostering social and emotional development, I aspire to contribute to the growth and well-being of children, both inside and outside the classroom,” he said. “Ultimately, my goal is to help shape future generations of empathetic and resilient individuals who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Robinson holds an M.A. in urban studies, an M.S. in education, a professional diploma in school administration and an Ed.D. His books are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.