Congratulations to Patty Wood, SCSD 2020 Teacher of the Year
Posted on 12/13/2019
Patty Wood, a first and second grade reading teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, was named the Schenectady City School District 2020 Teacher of the Year on Friday, December 13. Superintendent Larry Spring made the announcement when he surprised Wood at a schoolwide assembly. Wood's family, friends and colleagues were on hand.
Wood was nominated by colleague Jen Paley. "I have been fortunate to observe Patty as both a student in the Schenectady City School system and as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator who has earned the respect and admiration of not only her colleagues, but that of parents and students as well," said Paley.
By all accounts, Wood is a committed and enthusiastic educator who gets students excited about learning. She has the ability to reach each of her students and hook them into reading. Her colleagues say that she is a motivating, compassionate and understanding team player who always has her students' best interests in mind.
Wood is also a former Schenectady student.
Michelle VanDerLinden, principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School and former principal at Hamilton, noted that Wood works well with peers and has gone above and beyond to help students get excited about reading. She has delivered books to homes for parents to read to kids, brought authors into the classroom for students to meet, runs book clubs for both parents and students and provides before school tutoring. "Patty's love and need for reading inspires her to work hard with all her students," said VanDerLinden. "She believes in them and wants each to have a success story."
Wood is a member of many committees and has a hand in everything from professional development and grant writing to pep rallies and talent shows.
Many colleagues and students wrote letters in support of Wood receiving the "Teacher of the Year" honors.
"I have known Patty for three years and in that time she never ceases to amaze me," wrote Colleen Keough, a teacher at Hamilton. "Patty is a remarkable person. Her intelligence, patience and people skills are unsurpassed."
Keough said that Wood gets students to see themselves as readers because she believes in them before they believe in themselves. She added, "she expects her students to work hard and they do because they know she loves and respects them and they see her working hard right along with them."
Many of Wood's colleagues noted her unwavering commitment to students, respect for students and colleagues, strong work ethic and willingness to help others and share information. "Patty has an extensive knowledge base that she is always willing to share with her colleagues," wrote Jamie Daus, a general education co-teacher at Hamilton. "Patty Wood is truly the definition of Teacher of the Year. She is committed, supportive and goes above and beyond for the students and colleagues at Hamilton Elementary School."
Lisa DeLorenzo, also a colleague to Wood at Hamilton, said that "caring for her students" is one of Wood's best attributes. "She has shown a love for students reading in school and outside of school," said DeLorenzo. "Her ability to inspire students to have a love for reading is something I have always admired about her."
Fourth grader Fatoa Gomez said Wood should be Teacher of the Year because of the difference that she's made helping kids learn to read. "She never gives up with work. She helps me grow my reading and work with me and my reading group," said Gomez. "She encourages us not to give up. She makes learning fun. She is determined to help us grown in reading."
Neeh Ketter, also a fourth grader, said one of the reasons Wood should be Teacher of the Year is because "she helps kids and she is kind." Ketter said that Wood spends her lunch time doing book club with students and added, "she is so amazing and smart. She always has a positive attitude."
"Patty Wood has made a difference at Hamilton Elementary School, exemplified the mission of the Schenectady City School District and has positively impacted the students, staff and Hamilton community," added Paley. "She is a true advocate for ensuring kids reach their potential."
According to many, Wood is a role model for educators and encompasses what the Schenectady City School District is about.
As the the Schenectady City School District Teacher of the Year, Wood is eligible to submit an application for the New York State Teacher of the Year competition.