"Hello! I'm Pattie. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Elementary Education and am certified in grades 1-6. I have taught in Hillsborough County for 30 years. During this time I was designated as a Highly Effective teacher (Level 5 on a scale of 1-5) for all years of my evaluations. This ranking was based on my effectiveness as a teacher due to my students success on standardized tests as well as my formal evaluation scores. I was also awarded the "Florida High Impact Teacher" for all three years the award was given. "High Impact Teachers" are those whose scores place them in the top 30% of teachers in Florida based on their students success. Within that top 30%, I was within the top 5%.

I retired in 2019 but quickly realized that teaching is my passion and I truly missed the kids. I enjoy helping students find their "ah ha" moment in a subject they may have previously struggled with. I take my students success very seriously. I strive to find a way for them to learn while enjoying the process. I know all students can learn and it's my job to find what works best for each one.

After teaching Math for 30 years I have learned and developed strategies to help many different types of learners. I understand that one way isn't the only way for everyone. I work with each student to find their learning style and incorporate it into the lesson. I give them ample time to practice and feel success.

Science should be fun and engaging and brought to life through real-life examples and activities. When a student understands how and why something works or how it happens in the world their knowledge sky rockets.

I believe that vocabulary is important in all subjects, not just reading, and I make sure to develop the vocabulary necessary for success in each subject. For example, if a student doesn't understand what a word means in Math frustration builds and they will not be able to complete what's being asked of them.

So many students don't understand what the word "stud" less...