Pacifica Stories

At this year's Senior Dinner, Pacifica Christian High School honored Stephen Roberson as the 2026 Faculty Member of the Year. As a Philosophy teacher and Director of the Center for Philosophy & Theology, Mr. Roberson has become known for creating a classroom where students encounter something increasingly rare: the opportunity to slow down.

In a season of life often defined by productivity, his classroom offers students space to wrestle with meaningful questions, consider ideas from different perspectives, and engage thoughtfully with one another. Students leave not only with a greater understanding of philosophy, but with habits of attention and reflection that shape the way they approach the world.

Mr. Roberson has a remarkable ability to draw every student into the conversation. Those who enter the classroom unsure of themselves find encouragement and confidence. Those accustomed to having quick answers discover deeper questions worth pursuing. Under his guidance, students learn that genuine learning is not a competition to be won, but a process of growth that requires humility, curiosity, and patience.

The impact of that work extends far beyond graduation. Long after specific assignments and readings have faded from memory, students carry with them the ability to listen carefully, reason thoughtfully, and engage others with charity and respect. In helping students cultivate those habits, Mr. Roberson is doing more than preparing them for college or careers—he is helping them become the kind of people who can navigate life with wisdom and purpose.

As Director of Academic Counseling Carly Barforth shared during the award presentation:

"Your classroom is a place where everyone comes together. You have a unique ability to level the playing field. You reach the student who never thought they could succeed, and you not only show them a path forward, but you create an environment where they can thrive. At the same time, you challenge the student who walks in convinced they already have all the answers. In your classroom, everyone grows."

Congratulations, Mr. Roberson, on this well-deserved recognition.