Starfish of the Week - Christian Patterson

I am excited to pass the Starfish Teacher Award to Christian Patterson. 

Christian is the perfect blend of soft-spoken and strong. He challenges his students with high expectations, finding ways to incorporate higher-level learning when he recognizes student strengths in reading. He is incredibly driven when it comes to enhancing the abilities of lower-level students. His students will tell you that he is the best teacher ever when it comes to reading. He can explain challenging concepts to students and help them understand.  He uses their interests to find connections to the topics that help them comprehend the material in a way that they are able to recall easily.  He has high expectations of his students.  He consistently holds them accountable when it comes to their classwork and behavior.  By encouraging his students to be their best, he inspires them to achieve success. 

In every aspect of his classroom, Christian leads with patience and kindness. His supportive personality helps students gain confidence not only in their work but also in themselves. He skillfully uses humor to build connections, making him easy for students to respect—and they appreciate the respect he shows them in return. Christian creates a safe, welcoming environment where his calm, collected demeanor reassures students that they are valued. His genuine care is the foundation of his inclusive ELA classroom. 

As a co-worker, Christian is reliable, honest, and easy to collaborate with. His professionalism, positivity, and steady commitment to student success elevate everyone around him. Christian embodies everything the Starfish Teacher Award represents: quiet impact, genuine connection, and a dedication that reaches both students and colleagues. We are fortunate to have him on our campus, and I am honored to pass this recognition on to him. 

Thank you, Christian, for the impact you make every day.