Principal's Welcome

Ryan Robinson has been an educator in Delaware for the past twenty-eight years. He received his undergraduate degree in Special Education from Delaware State University. Mr. Robinson also holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and School Leadership from Wilmington University. 

Mr. Robinson, a graduate of Indian River High School, began his teaching career in 1996 at Because We Care Alternative Middle School in Dover, DE. After twelve successful years of teaching and mentorship under Pastor Gloria L. Cherry, Mr. Robinson transitioned from Because We Care Middle School and accepted a Science and Social Studies Special Education teaching position for the 7/8th grade with Postlethwait Middle School. In 2010, Mr. Robinson returned to Because We Care for one year before transitioning to William Henry Middle School with the Capital School District. During his time  at William Henry Middle School, Mr. Robinson served as lead teacher for the Science and Social Studies departments. While serving as the 5th grade Science and Social Studies teacher for Gifted and Talented, in 2016, Mr. Robinson was awarded Teacher of the Year for William Henry Middle School. In 2018, Mr. Robinson accepted a teaching position at Stanton Middle School with the Red Clay School District. After two successful years at Stanton Middle School, Mr. Robinson returned to the Capital School District to accept an instructional coach position at Kent County Secondary ILC. Mr. Robinson served as the instructional coach, dean, and lead mentor for the past three years at Kent County Secondary ILC. 

Ryan Robinson

Principal 

Middle School of Innovation 

I am truly honored and overjoyed to return to the Capital School District—my alma mater and the place where my teaching journey began in 1995. This district shaped who I am both personally and professionally, and it feels like coming home to be back among a community that values learning, growth, and connection. As a former music teacher, arts administrator, and building leader, I have always believed in the power of education to transform lives. Dover Middle School’s mission—to ensure students “learn and grow physically, intellectually, and emotionally to become innovators of excellence”—beautifully captures why I am so excited to be here.

Throughout my career, I have been guided by four personal pillars that define my leadership and resonate with the shared vision for our school community. First, I am excited when I see people grow. Whether it’s a student discovering a new talent, a teacher refining their craft, or a team reaching new heights, growth inspires me. Second, we DO hard things. Success is built on perseverance and courage, and I believe that embracing challenges together makes us stronger. Third, we can do anything as long as we do it together. Collaboration and community are at the heart of who we are at Dover Middle School—when we unite around a shared purpose, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Finally, the human experience matters. Every person who walks through our doors has a story, and honoring those stories builds the empathy and respect that make our school a truly special place.

Above all, I am committed to ensuring that every student here reaches their fullest potential. I want each child to feel seen, valued, and empowered to dream big and achieve even bigger. My dedication to this work is deeply personal—it is rooted in my own experiences as an educator and as a parent to my three amazing children, Renee, Clay, and Macy, who continually remind me why this work matters so much.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community once again. Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and innovate—building a future where every student at Dover Middle School becomes an “innovator of excellence.”

With great excitement and respect,

Larry P. Friend, Jr.

Associate Principal

Dover Middle School Campus