Robbie Hooker understands how public education benefits both students and the community.
From teacher to principal to superintendent, he’s seen firsthand the impact a strong school setting has on children and the ways it affects them as adults.
“A strong education can change the trajectory of your life,” Hooker said. “It’s the foundation. It’s what makes a difference for students and for families.”
His efforts to ensure students have a better future were recognized recently with the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award. Presented at the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast held on Jan. 16, the award recognizes students, faculty, staff and community members who exemplify the words and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I’m in awe,” Hooker said. “When I think of Dr. King and the impact he had, it was always about service above self. It’s about service to others, and I think that’s what we’re all called to do. Service is about making mankind better and uniting people.”
Hooker earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and then a master’s degree in special education from Valdosta State University, later earning a doctorate from Clemson University. He began his career as a special education teacher at a variety of grade levels before moving to Athens in 1995. He taught at W.R. Coile Middle School and then went to Barrow County as an assistant principal. He came back to Athens a few years later, serving as principal at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School. He stayed there for five years before serving as principal at Clarke Central High School for eight years.
After that, Hooker became the assistant superintendent for high schools in Henry County. Three years later, he was named superintendent of Social Circle City Schools. He stayed in that role three years before serving as superintendent of the Clarke County School District for three years. He retired from that position in June 2025 and now serves as the Georgia state director for the Bailey Education Group, helping school systems, offering professional development and supporting teachers and administrators across the state.
As a child, Hooker attended church with many of his educators, who regularly reminded the youth of the impact they could have by going into education as adults.
“That’s the mantra I took on,” he said. “Public education is the great equalizer.”
His interest in special education started later on. During college, he worked with adults with disabilities through the Lowndes Advocacy Resource Center and saw their potential. He also worked with visually impaired children at the Georgia Lions Camp, later reconnecting with one camper he bonded with over running.
“Find your niche, your passion, and go from there,” Hooker said.
Some of Hooker’s most impactful work came during his tenure at Clarke Central High School. He followed in the footsteps of one of his mentors, Maxine Easom, and took the school from “needs improvement” to being recognized as a top high school in the country. One area of pride for Hooker was the number of staff members who got into administration and leadership or earned advanced degrees.
“It’s not about recognition for yourself. It’s about how you can make lives better for your students and your faculty members. It’s about building strong relationships with those individuals who make a difference,” he said.
Hooker had a hand in several programs still making a difference. He helped start the Beta Club at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School. At Clarke Central High School, he helped grow the number of Advanced Placement courses available to students. While in Social Circle, he saw a significant increase in enrollment.
“I’m excited to see how our students are breaking the odds,” he said.
It is that kind of work that can continue to move King’s dream forward, Hooker said. He pointed out that it’s important to listen to each other and to learn to have crucial conversations.
“We’re in a community together, not opposite of each other. We all should herding the same direction,” he said. “If we all work hand-in-hand, we can make a difference.”
Anyone can help, Hooker points out, by volunteering at schools, attending board meetings and participating in school governance, and by mentoring students throughout their education.
“Kids need role models and someone who will listen to them,” he said. “If they hear positive reinforcement and ‘I believe in you,’ kids will go that extra mile.”