McKendree University Honors First-Grade Teacher Mentor

Lisa Patterson of Twin Echo Elementary in Collinsville

Lebanon, Ill. — First-grade teacher Lisa Patterson was named “K-8 Great Mentor of the Year” by the McKendree University School of Education at its annual Dinner for Cooperating Teachers on April 22. The award is given to teachers who have gone above and beyond in mentoring and supporting the university’s student teacher candidates during their classroom learning experience.

Patterson has spent her nine-year teaching career at Twin Echo Elementary School in Collinsville.

“I am blessed to have a career that I love and I could not imagine doing anything else,” she said. “Making a lasting impact on the lives of my students is my goal but it always seems to happen in the reverse as well, making me a better teacher and a better person.”

A graduate school instructor influenced her approach to the classroom. “He taught me that education is not just about getting a specific answer” she said. “Education can be an exciting journey which allows the students to explore multiple outcomes while having the time of their lives. My personal belief is that teaching is a profession, and teachers should always be working to grow and improve our practices.”

The Taylorville, Ill., resident received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and her master’s degree from Rockford College.

 

 

Lisa Patterson, the McKendree University School of Education’s

2014 “K8 Great Mentor of the Year”