• Abraham Lincoln School No. 14

Teacher of the Year

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Beverly Kay Patterson

Learning/Language Disabilities Teacher

My desire to become a teacher was deeply influenced by a profound experience I had as a 14-year-old summer camp counselor. During that time, I worked with both children and adults who faced special challenges, and it was there that I first discovered my passion for helping others. Every summer I spent as a counselor, I grew in ways that helped me realize my calling to become a teacher. The experience allowed me to develop new ideas and build skills that would later guide me toward earning my degrees and pursuing a career in education.

The love and passion I felt for guiding students toward new heights of learning became the foundation for my desire to teach. I became determined to empower students, helping them develop a sense of curiosity and excitement about their education. I sought to inspire both children and adults alike by nurturing their potential and fostering a love for learning. Whether in the classroom or out, I worked to ignite a passion for knowledge across subjects like science, math, language arts, and social studies. My natural inclination to help others made teaching feel like a deeply rewarding and fulfilling path—one that offered me the opportunity to make a real, positive difference in the lives of students.

My personal feelings and beliefs about teaching and my entire approach to education is something that is rooted in my passion, motivation, and an unwavering commitment to provide every student with the tools necessary for empowerment and rigorous learning. I am deeply dedicated to ensuring that each child has access to the resources they need to succeed. For instance, when a student benefits from modifications I've designed—such as teacher-made tests, graphic organizers, technology integration, and PowerPoints—I feel incredibly grateful to witness their growth. These adjustments reflect the goals outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and contribute to their positive development. Equally important is my focus on offering consistent verbal and written praise to students. By encouraging them to freely express their strengths and areas of growth, I foster an environment where students feel supported and understood. This approach is tailored to their individual learning levels and styles, ensuring that each student can thrive. A key element of my teaching is the ability to assess how students connect to the world around them. Through projects and class activities that involve technology and research, I help students recognize similarities between their own likes and dislikes and those of their peers from different cultures and countries. This promotes respect and appreciation, sparking engaging dialogues among students from diverse backgrounds. By encouraging cultural exchange, I strive to create an environment where students not only learn from each other but also feel empowered to share their unique perspectives.

Educational Service Professional of the Year

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Marcia J. Estevez

Classroom Assistant – Kindergarten

My love for education and teaching has given me a strong passion for my profession. Since I was a child, I have had a devotion to teaching. As an elementary school student, I gathered children from my neighborhood who needed help and taught them what I had learned. I honestly feel like I have always been an educator at heart.

I am deeply committed to having a positive and inspiring impact on children’s lives. Through kindness, care, empathy, and passion. I aim to foster an environment where children can thrive. I find joy in working with them, supporting their growth, and helping them reach their full potential.

As a Kindergarten Assistant, my responsibilities involve creating a warm, safe, and inclusive environment for all students. I focus on meeting each child’s individual needs and work closely with the teaching team in the classroom to reinforce lesson plans. I prepare and organize materials that support student learning, helping them practice and develop essential skills. Additionally, I assist in supervising the safety of all students, contribute to the creation of engaging bulletin board displays, and ensure that the classroom remains clean, organized, and conducive to learning.