Finding her rhythm: Meet ASU Prep Polytechnic teacher Robyn Kotte
ASU Preparatory Academy Polytechnic STEM Academy is one of the best in the state, fueled by the passion and dedication of its educators. One of the teachers who makes ASU Prep Poly truly special is Robyn Kotte, a dynamic special education teacher whose journey to ASU Prep is as unique and inspiring as the programs she leads. From the world of color guard to the inventive use of Dungeons and Dragons in the classroom, Ms. Kotte’s commitment to her students’ learning environment is truly phenomenal.
From color guard to the classroom
Ms. Kotte first heard about ASU Prep through the color guard community.
“I have been actively involved in color guard since 1987 (I was in 7th grade) and when I moved here, I was really impressed with the scope and extent of the guard program here at ASU Prep,” she said. “It is extremely rare to see a program incorporate all grade levels from Kindergarten through college. I honestly don’t know of any other programs in the country that do this.”
Outside of her fulfilling work at ASU Prep, Ms. Kotte remains deeply involved in color guard. She teaches the ASU Gold Guard at ASU Prep Poly’s elementary school, and also designs for several guards across the Valley. She’s the Director of The ProcesS Independent Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization that currently includes a Senior (all ages) color guard competing in the WGAZ (Winter Guard Arizona) circuit, and she also serves as the WGAZ Guard Liaison, supporting and advocating for all color guards throughout the state.
While she took summer courses at ASU during visits to her parents, Ms. Kotte is a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and choreography. Her passion for education, however, truly blossomed through her love of dance. “As a dance educator, I fell in love with teaching,” she said. “I loved it so much that I decided that it wasn’t enough to only see my students once or twice a week…I wanted it to be every day. That is when I knew I needed to go back to school to become a full-time classroom teacher.”
Gifting confidence and fostering collaboration
Reflecting on her own high school experience, Ms. Kotte understands the profound impact of extracurricular activities and after-school programs. She said, “When I was in high school, it was my extracurricular activities that made all the difference for me. They allowed me to find the things I was passionate about and instilled in me the drive I have to always learn more. I hope to give my students the ability to feel confident being their unique selves.”
This desire to empower students to embrace their individuality is central to her teaching philosophy.
“Being a first-year teacher here at ASU, I am just proud of how much collaboration has happened between my students when they are working together,” she said. “It is helpful that they are working on things they really love doing. That can make all the difference, but I have seen tremendous growth in their patience and participation with each other.”
This early success speaks volumes about her ability to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Unlocking potential through dungeons and dragons
Ms. Kotte has also gained recognition for her innovative and enriching approach to education, particularly her work with Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). This year, she had the opportunity to present to Microsoft about the transformative power of the game in education.
“A fellow teacher here at ASU Prep Elementary, Mrs. Goodman, mentioned that her husband works for Microsoft,” Ms. Kotte said. “Through her connection, I was invited to present to their Storyteller’s Guild—a group of D&D players and gaming enthusiasts. I was thrilled! As someone who loves D&D, I jumped at the chance to share why I started a D&D club for my elementary students.”
As a special education teacher, Ms. Kotte has witnessed firsthand the profound benefits of D&D for her students—especially those who might struggle with social interaction, creative expression or executive functioning. “That was the heart of my presentation to the Microsoft crew: how this game can be more than just fun—it can be transformative,” she said.
Ms. Kotte’s passion for D&D extends back to her college days. She started playing D&D in college and fell in love with it.
“I was active in a group while I lived in Virginia, but since moving to Arizona I haven’t found another group to start playing with,” she said. “However, there are some really amazing podcasts and online options like Dimension 20, NADDPOD or Critical Role. After getting a chance to reimmerse myself in the world of D&D through those online sources, I realized how much I missed playing. Once I came to ASU Prep, I inquired about starting a D&D club and was met with great enthusiasm from my administration and fellow teachers. So I figured, let’s do it!”
The D&D club at ASU Prep has become a valuable space for students to connect and grow. “As a special education teacher, I knew that D&D could be a wonderful way for my students to have a safe space to explore social interactions, practice mathematical, writing and reading skills, and have a place that brings together like-minded individuals to foster friendship opportunities. I love seeing the diversity of students that have actually come to the D&D club and the enthusiasm that they show each week.”
Ms. Kotte’s elementary D&D club also has a partner at the high school.
“I wanted the project to be collaborative with older students at the high school level, since I found out there was a D&D class held there on Fridays,” Ms. Kotte said. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to invite interested high schoolers to come down and run games for my elementary students. As a result, three high school students started visiting on Mondays, each serving as a Dungeon Master for their own group.”
This mentorship opportunity benefits students of all ages.
A journey of gratitude and passion
When asked about setbacks, Ms. Kotte’s response was overwhelmingly positive. She said, “This experience has been amazing. The support from my admin, the school community, the parents and the students has been beyond anything I could have imagined. There are some things that I can adjust for next year logistically, but everything has been outstanding. I am so grateful for all of the support!”
Her dedication extends beyond the local community as well. “In addition to color guard, I’m an online ESL teacher working with incredible students in China,” she said. “I started teaching during COVID and have kept it up ever since—it’s been so rewarding to see my students grow not only in their English skills but also into thoughtful, amazing young adults.”
Ms. Kotte shared her heartfelt appreciation for her first year at ASU Prep. “I have loved every aspect of it,” she said. “I am truly thankful for all of the support I have received that has allowed me to explore such amazing opportunities with my students.”
Ms. Kotte’s passion and deep commitment to her students make her an invaluable asset to the ASU Prep Polytechnic community. Because she shares at school the fun and creative activities she’s passionate about, she creates meaningful connections with young learners that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Want to see more inspiring work from ASU Prep Poly educators?
Read how Trinia Wintz’s project-based approach is shaping the future of education or read about Nathan Bastert, Ms. Kotte’s ASU Prep partner in presenting to Microsoft.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the ASU Prep community, schedule a time to connect with us or register for a tour.
