Patty McGeorge was reared in Jackson County. She attended Tyner Elementary where I, Margaret H. Rader, experienced Patty as a remarkable student. Patty graduated from Jackson County High School in 1974 and continued her education by obtaining B.S. and M.A. degrees from Eastern Kentucky University.
Patty began her illustrious career in education at Sand Gap Elementary. Here she successfully combined her passion for teaching and her love and concern for students with her exuberance, curiosity, and creativity. Patty developed the unique capability to address the needs and abilities of each student. She encouraged her students to pursue their passions and to develop independence, leaderships, good citizenship, and faith in themselves. Thus, she reinforced their foundation for success in life.
As Patty’s students explored the many avenues of learning, their knowledge exploded and they developed a life-long love for learning. Technology and the Fine Arts, including dramatic productions were incorporated into her curriculum with extraordinary vision.
I was privileged to join this exceptional teacher as a fellow educator and observed these wonders as they unfolded. Patty not only excelled in teaching, but also in leadership among her colleagues and as an active participant in the community.
After seven years at Sand Gap Elementary, Patty pursued her distinguished career as an educator in Iowa. Patty taught the next thirty years in the Southeast Polk Community District which is one of the largest school districts in the state.
Patty proceeded to hone her craft as she delighted her students with knowledge, innovation, originality, and technology while developing life-long learners.
Patty McGeorge was nominated by her peers to the Southeast Polk High School Hall of Honor for her noted contributions to education. This honor was usually reserved for administrators while few teachers were included.
In my opinion, not only do these deserved words ring true, but they represent a very small portion of the impact Patty has had on all those fortunate students who were blessed to be called “hers”.
Oh, if only every student could share a Patty McGeorge as a teacher…. what a wonderful world it would be.
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