A Patterson

When it comes to teaching, transition is my passion. Transition is important at all levels of education from entering school to exiting. At this point in my career, my focus is on supporting post-secondary students as they attain the soft-skills necessary to gain and retain employment. In this position, I strive to provide my students with tools that will allow them to live successful adult lives.

This summer, I became Board Certified In Special Education. There is an excellence in teaching and I push myself to be better at my craft every day. I know that I will need a deep knowledge base to provide the best supports available for both my students and their families.

My career with Bedford County Public Schools (BCPS) began in 1999 when I worked at Otter River Elementary as an aide in the preschool program. The enjoyment I felt while working with this special population, pushed me to return to college and earn a degree in special education. Since that time, I have been blessed to work for BCPS for 16 years. It is a pleasure to continue to work with a wonderful group of teachers, administrators and support staff.

In 2017 I was asked to create a work-based transition program for post-secondary students with special needs. The purpose of the program is to support post graduate students as they fill in any missing skills necessary to be independently employed. Students enter this program from all three high schools.

As a work-based program, we practice job skills out in the community and reinforcement in the classroom. The program is working as several of my students exited this program and are now gainfully employed.

I have been honored twice, 2009 and 2017, to be named Teacher of the Year while working at Jefferson Forest HS.

I graduated from Lynchburg College with a Master's degree in special education working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and those with Learning Disabilities (LD). I am licensed to teach kindergarten - twelfth grade. Lynchburg College is also where I received a certificate in teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

When I'm not teaching, I can be found spending time with my four legged children, Remi & Finn, my two children and 4 grandchildren (there are soon to be 6. Yes, I am beyond excited). I also love hanging out with my PEEPs and traveling the world; so many people to meet so places to go! My hobbies include: crafting, gardening, reading, and doing any outdoor activity. My world would not be complete without God, coffee, and dark chocolate.