You’ve heard of the three R’s of education, and you probably wonder why only one of them actually begins with an R.

Unlike two-thirds of the traditional “reading, ’riting and ’rithmetic,” a field for the 21st century fits the bill:

Robotics.

At Hampton Middle School, faculty member Gwen Cohen greets youngsters with a room full of technological marvels with names like Sphero, Cozmo and Ozobot.

“I have tons of different robots that the students can use,” she said. “They are so excited when they come in, and I let them choose different activities, so I kind of make it their own space.”

Her actual job title, enrichment facilitator and instructional coach, pretty much describes what she does enthusiastically on behalf of the school’s learners and teachers, alike. And in recognition of her steadfast work toward everyone’s benefit, Cohen has been named Educator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education.

She’s not exactly the type to dwell on accolades, preferring to focus on her role in advancing Hampton’s enrichment program, which goes beyond serving students who carry the “gifted” designation and is open to all who have an interest.

At the middle school, they have plenty from which to choose.

In addition to Cohen’s robotics studio are four others: maker, print, production and innovation. And last year, the school opened a Learning Pavilion that features interactive world maps, storyboards and an augmented reality tool designed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center.

Cohen and the school’s other enrichment teachers, Meredith Henderson and Melissa Survinski, host workshops in various areas of interest, and they take students on field trips to destinations such as the Carnegie Science Center and Heinz History Center.

They also work closely with teachers within their classroom. For example, Cohen collaborated with David Sheetz on science lessons involving speed and velocity using Spheros, globe-shaped robots that roll under the control of a smartphone or tablet.

Recently added to the mix, through a Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence grant, are video-production accessories called Padcasters. Among other projects, students are creating “Shark Tank”-like presentations as part of an emphasis on making students aware of what their futures could hold.

“We really believe middle school is the time to explore all the careers and everything out there,” Cohen said.

As far as her career, she started as a restaurant manager, but she found that delegating wasn’t her strong suit.

“I found myself doing everybody’s work, because everybody was so tired. It was their second job. So I’d say, ‘Everyone, go home,’” she recalled. “I couldn’t be mean. It’s not my personality.”

Switching gears, she earned her master’s degree in education and taught grade school in Virginia before joining Hampton’s faculty in the 1990s.

“And I do love my job,” she said. “I love being with the kids, and I love supporting the teachers.”

She also has an appreciation for the middle school’s lead administrator.

“Our principal is so supportive,” Cohen said. “If we need or want something, Marlynn Lux, she’ll get it for us.”

Speaking of support, Cohen received quite a bit from colleagues who vouched on her behalf after one of them nominated her for PAGE Educator of the Year.

“It’s a great environment,” she said. “We’re like family, so it’s nice.”

The Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to helping gifted learners, parents and educators. For more information, visit www.giftedpage.org.

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