Two Garland ISD teachers received a special surprise June 3 that sweetened their end-of-year celebrations. Samantha Patten and Marie Walker-Peterson were named 2014-15 District Teachers of the Year.
“It is my pleasure to present this award,” said Superintendent Bob Morrison as he handed each a commemorative plaque. “Thank you for your dedication to GISD students. Being chosen as one of the top two teachers from an impressive list of campus winners shows a commitment to providing exceptional education and ensuring a successful future for students.”
Patten teaches second grade at Kimberlin Academy for Excellence. Chosen as the Elementary District Teacher of the Year, she seeks to innovatively improve the learning environment every day, making school a more exciting place. She also strives to be a positive role model, building relationships with students and staff. As the first member of her family to attend and graduate from college, Patten is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner.
“Each year, I set new goals for myself and work diligently to achieve them,” she said. “My students know that if I have been out for a training or workshop, when I return they will likely be trying something new. We learn together and my enthusiasm for learning makes them eager to learn and grow as well.”
Walker-Peterson, the Secondary District Teacher of the Year, has taught at Sellers Middle School for the past 17 years—the same campus she once attended. Graduating from Garland High School, Walker-Peterson planned to become a lawyer. She joined GISD instead and helped pioneer the district’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. Now districtwide, three campuses—including Sellers—also boast National Demonstration School status.
“Every May, I am blessed with news from former students about earned college degrees or acceptance letters. Most are first in their family to attend,” she said. “The smiles of first-time college students or graduates is, by far, my greatest accomplishment.”
Patten and Walker-Peterson are now in the running for Region 10 Teacher of the Year.