OCA Schedule | 8/18/2026 4:31:00 PM

Mt. Pleasant, SC – Oceanside Collegiate Academy is celebrating a major achievement as Alecia Robinson has been named the South Carolina Public Charter School District's Teacher of the Year for the 2026-27 school year.

Robinson serves in a variety of leadership and instructional roles at Oceanside Collegiate Academy, including Dean of Academics, Virtual Academy Program Coordinator, Adjunct Business Professor and Head Softball Coach. Across each of these roles, she is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students and helping them reach their full potential.

For Robinson, receiving the districtwide honor is both a personal achievement and a reflection of the educational culture at Oceanside Collegiate Academy.

"Winning SCPCSD's District Teacher of the Year is an honor that is incredibly meaningful to me, but I also believe it says something much bigger about the educational opportunities available to students at Oceanside Collegiate Academy."

Robinson shared on Instagram her gratitude for being part of a charter school community that she says is committed to providing equitable education and opportunities for all students.

"I am so blessed to be a part of an amazing charter school community that provides equitable education and opportunities for all students," Robinson said.

She also highlighted the people who make the OCA community special to her. After returning to campus following the announcement, Robinson was surprised by her coworkers and staff with a festively decorated office.

"I have the most amazing co-workers and staff who surprised me with gifts, balloons and decorations when I came back!" she shared.

The celebration reflects the strong sense of community surrounding Robinson and her work at OCA.

A Culture of Innovation and Opportunity

Robinson credits OCA's culture of innovation and student-centered education as a key part of what makes the school special. She says educators are encouraged to think differently, innovate and continually consider how they can improve the educational experience for students.

"That culture allows us to create opportunities that challenge students academically while also supporting their growth as individuals, leaders, and future professionals," Robinson said.

As Dean of Academics and Virtual Academy Program Coordinator, Robinson plays an important role in helping students access educational opportunities that meet their individual needs. Her work as an adjunct business professor also allows her to connect students with learning experiences that can prepare them for college, careers and life beyond high school.

Robinson said she is passionate about being part of an educational environment that is willing to evolve.

"I am passionate about being part of an educational environment that is willing to evolve and provide students with opportunities that meet their individual needs and prepare them for whatever comes next," she said.

OCA Principal Dr. Kelly Linkenhoker said Robinson's recognition is a fitting tribute to an educator whose influence extends throughout the school community.

"Congratulations to OCA's very own Alecia Robinson, who has been named Teacher of the Year for the SCPSD School District!" Linkenhoker said. "This is an incredibly well-deserved recognition of an educator and leader who consistently demonstrates what excellence looks like."

Linkenhoker highlighted Robinson's dedication to students and the school, describing her as "driven, professional, knowledgeable, student-centered, and deeply committed to the success of OCA."

She also praised Robinson's leadership, work ethic and willingness to step up wherever she is needed.

"Her leadership, work ethic, expertise, and willingness to step up wherever she is needed have made a tremendous impact on our students, staff, and school community," Linkenhoker said. "She leads by example and continually challenges those around her to strive for excellence."

Linkenhoker added that the entire OCA community is proud to see Robinson's work recognized at the district level.

"Alecia, we are incredibly proud of you! Thank you for everything you do for our students, our staff, and OCA," Linkenhoker said. "We are so fortunate to have you as part of our Landshark family, and we could not be more excited to see your dedication recognized at the district level!"

An Award That Reflects the OCA Community

While Robinson is proud of being recognized as the SCPCSD Teacher of the Year, she views the award as something larger than an individual accomplishment.

"To me, this award represents the incredible level of education and opportunity that OCA students have access to every day," she said. "Our students are surrounded by educators who genuinely care about their success and are willing to go beyond what is traditional to help them reach their potential."

For Robinson, that commitment to students is at the heart of effective education. She believes that when educators are empowered to innovate while keeping students at the center of their decisions, schools can create exceptional experiences that help young people discover what they are capable of achieving.

"Being recognized as District Teacher of the Year reinforces my belief that when we empower passionate educators to innovate and put students at the center of every decision, we can create truly exceptional educational experiences," Robinson said.

A Dream Realized

The honor also carries deep personal meaning for Robinson, who says becoming an educator has been a lifelong dream.

"Being an educator has been my dream since I was a little girl, so to be honored in this way is incredibly humbling," she said.

Although she is proud of the accomplishment, Robinson is quick to share the credit with the people who have supported her throughout her career.

"I know that I did not get here alone," she said. "I am incredibly grateful for Oceanside Collegiate Academy, my amazing and passionate coworkers, the leaders who have supported me, and most importantly, the students and families who have entrusted me with their children."

Her multiple roles at OCA have allowed Robinson to work with students in different settings and connect with them as learners, leaders, athletes and future professionals. Whether in academics, the Virtual Academy, the business classroom or on the softball field, her focus remains the same: helping students grow and succeed.

Celebrating a Communitywide Achievement

Robinson sees her Teacher of the Year recognition as a reflection of the broader Oceanside Collegiate Academy community and its shared commitment to student success.

"This award is not just a reflection of me as an educator; it is a reflection of the community I am fortunate enough to be part of and the belief we share that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, discover their potential, and have every chance to succeed," she said.

From the surprise celebration waiting for Robinson in her office to the recognition she received from the district, her Teacher of the Year honor has become a celebration shared by the entire OCA community.

For Oceanside Collegiate Academy, Robinson's recognition as the 2026-27 South Carolina Public Charter School District Teacher of the Year is an opportunity to celebrate not only an outstanding educator, but also the students, families, educators and school leaders who make the OCA community possible.

Robinson's honor reflects the impact of an educator who has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for students—and who continues to believe that with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, every student can have the chance to succeed.

About Oceanside Collegiate Academy: Oceanside Collegiate Academy (OCA), located in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while earning up to two years of college credit. OCA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades