[title subtitle=”WORDS Sara Putman and Rachel Patton
IMAGE courtesy Rachel Patton”][/title]
Do South® has joined forces with Bookish, our area’s only independent bookstore, in an effort to shine the spotlight on deserving teachers in our community! Local teachers complete the form and wish list online and then books from their wish list can be purchased from Bookish at a twenty percent discount by anyone wanting to show their support! Each month, we will feature a local teacher doing great things for area children. This month, we are proud to introduce you to Rachel Patton, a teacher at Greenwood High School, in Greenwood, Arkansas. To all teachers, we love you and thank you for all you do!
DS: Tell us about your teaching journey. How long have you been a teacher? Where have you taught? What grades and subjects do you teach?
This is my fourth year teaching at Greenwood High School. I am a non-traditional teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Biology who went back to school for a Master of Arts in Teaching and later a Special Education Endorsement. The first three years of my career at GHS, I served as a Special Education Teacher in both English and Biology classrooms. Because my son displayed characteristics of dyslexia, I was drawn to and attended professional development that taught me more about dyslexia. When the opportunity presented itself, I became the dyslexia interventionist for grades 7th through 12th. I am very pleased to be the teacher that will help improve their reading abilities and confidence as well as to show them their strengths in creativity.
DS: What do you like about being a teacher?
I could say so much to answer this one question! I could say because I have always loved school since I was a child due to the structure and consistency that was provided. I could say I love learning. I could explain how I love sports and watching the students excel at what they do best. I will say this, I feel like when I meet a new person and I say, “I am a teacher at Greenwood High School,” it is a turning point in our conversation. Instantly, it feels like they look and think differently about me. I used to get nervous to even say it or feel like I was bragging about it. I held being a teacher to the same standard as a doctor or nurse. While that may or may not be true, I feel like teaching is a very rewarding career. At the end of the day, all of the hard work is worth it knowing that I make a difference. Every day brings a new set of challenges and to-do lists. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful and positive relationships I have made with students, coworkers, and within the community.
DS: What is your biggest concern about entering into the 2020 school year?
My biggest concern about entering this school year was technology. I had a few different teachers and administrators that taught me a lot about technology before the school year began to help me feel more prepared. Now, I am able to use several applications such as Google Classroom, Screencastify, and School Status, Zoom, Remind, and Gmail on a daily basis. I have been challenged to find effective strategies to actively engage students both in the classroom and online.
Mrs. Patton’s Wish List
I would prefer to have a classroom set of eight books, but I will be pleased with anything!
8 – Unwind by Neal Shusterman
8 – Dry by Neal Shusterman
8 – Refugee or Grenade by Alan Gratz
8 – Underwater by Marisa Reichardt
8 – If There’s No Tomorrow by Jennifer Armentrout
8 – The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Teachers, we encourage you to complete the short form and add your wish list! Simply visit, www.forms.gle/FSgR89N6RzvqWFJ59. You can also find the link at: Bookishfs.com, on their Facebook page, and at DoSouthMagazine.com.
