Helping Students Become Memorable
for the Right Reasons
Welcome to Class
I'm Rob Anderson—a husband, father, teacher, professor, scientist, and author.
After more than two decades of working with students and families, I've learned that some of the most important lessons students learn in high school never appear on a report card.
About R.D. Anderson
I’m R.D. Anderson — teacher, dad, and author of Highly Recommended: A High School Success Guide for Parents and Students and The High School Success Journal. After teaching students from middle school through graduate school, I’ve seen how much confidence and strong relationships matter in shaping not just grades, but futures.
I started the Paternal Professor with one goal in mind: to help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them tools that build character, confidence, and lasting connections with teachers and mentors. This work is deeply personal to me — both as an educator and as a parent of two teenage daughters.
The purpose of this website is simple: to make these resources accessible to families and schools, and to give students a place to share their stories of successes, triumphs, and even struggles. When students and parents reflect honestly on their journeys, it creates powerful conversations that strengthen learning and relationships.
Whether you’re a student looking to grow and take ownership of your high school experience, a parent looking to guide the process, or an educator hoping to build rapport or build better working relationships with your students, I believe these tools can make a lasting difference.
My Mission
My hope is that every parent and every student who visits this site leaves with practical ideas, renewed confidence, and a better understanding of how meaningful relationships can create opportunities throughout life.