For Graduate Education Alumna, Rhode Island ‘Teacher of the Year’ Kudos
Business and computer education teacher now contending for National Teacher of the Year
EAST GREENWICH, R.I. -- In a surprise presentation on Thursday, Sept. 12, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist and Governor Lincoln Chafee presented the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year award to Patricia M. Page ’06M of East Greenwich High School.
Page earned her master’s in teaching from Roger Williams in 2006, during a career transition from the private sector, where she worked for the Economic Development Corporation in addition to serving on a number of boards promoting adult literacy. Her ability to connect the real world to the classroom as a business and computer education teacher was lauded by Gist, who pointed out Page’s efforts to prepare students for the workplace.
In a Friday, Sept. 13, Providence Journal story, Linda Borg reports:
During Thursday’s celebration, students and teachers praised her ability to bridge the world of business and academia.
“One of her goals is to break down the wall between our schools and the world of business, which sure helps prepare her students for success in challenging careers,” said Governor Chafee, who attended Thursday’s event.
“Whether I need advice, a shoulder to cry on or a congratulatory hug, she is the first person I seek out,” said Ella Myette, a high school senior. “Because of that, she has become my rock. I joke with friends that Mrs. Page is like my mom at school, but really it’s true.”
Page, she said, is so much more than a great teacher:
“She is my hope for the future. If I, or any of us, could grow up to be even half as inspiring, motivating or significant as Mrs. Page, I think that would be pretty extraordinary.”
With her award in hand – including a Smart car emblazoned with “Teacher of the Year” on the driver’s door – Page will now contend for the National Teacher of the Year Award and will work with Gist on state education policy and teaching improvements.