Danyale Patterson's Teaching Portfolio

914 Thunderhead Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63138

(314) 327-4113 [email protected] www.teachtoreacheach.com

Objective: With my training, experience and enthusiasm, I desire to guide students through the wonderful world of learning. I will creatively capture their attention and open student’s eyes to the mysteries and beautiful treasures of knowledge. Also, I will promote a positive atmosphere that will foster self-development and the appreciation of diversity. Education: University of Missouri-Columbia, Bachelor of Science in Education (August 1999) Missouri Certification Social Studies (Middle School 5-6 and High School 9-12) Tennessee Certification World History and United States History (7-12) Professional Experience: *St. Louis Public Schools, Blewett Middle School (9/08-6/09) Taught World History to 7th graders. *Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Antioch High School (9/03-5/04) Taught World & United States History to 9th and 11th graders. *Middle School Social Studies Teacher, Normandy Middle School (8/00-8/03) Taught American History to 7th graders in St. Louis, Missouri. *Substitute Teacher, Jennings School District (1996-1998) Occupied several long term substitute teaching positions in the elementary schools and middle school. *Teacher’s Assistant, Special School District (2/96-5/96) Taught social studies to a self-contained middle school at Hoech Middle School and facilitated academic activities for special needs students at Marvin Elementary School in St. Louis, Missouri. Other Work Experience: *Academic & Behavior Specialist, Family Affair Ministries, Inc. (9/04-9/05) Co-facilitated an after-school program called “The Learning Zone”. *Youth Director at New Union Vine MB Church (1/96-7/03) Coordinated a teen and children’s ministry that focused on empowering youth to become leaders. *Workshop Facilitator National Baptist Sunday School and BTU Conference (Summer 2001 and Summer 2002) Taught over 40 adult Sunday School teachers how to have exciting, and creative lessons. Conferences were held in Detroit, Michigan and Phoenix, Arizona. *Centrifuge Bible Study Leader (Summer 1995 and 1996) Traveled to 14 major inner cities teaching bible study, drama and cultural heritage. References: Instructional Coordinator Michelle Cotton, Normandy Public Schools (314) 741-8064 Executive Principal Michael Powers, Special School District (314) 606-1255 Executive Principal Barbara Sharp, St. Louis Public Schools (618) 581-3908 Math Coach Florida Cowley, Jennings School District (314) 837-5179 Reading Specialist, Jennifer Botello, Ferguson-Florissant School District (314) 369-5093

Vashon High School 3035 Cass Avenue St. Louis, MO. 63106 Barbara L. Sharp Principal

May, 2009 To Whom It May Concern: It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Danyale Davis Patterson, an outstanding educator, whom I've known for over seven years. During this time period, Danyale served as a social studies teacher, within our urban middle school of 920 students and 80 faculty. As a classroom teacher at Normandy Middle School, Danyale displayed an energetic personality, conducted herself in a professional manner by exceeding district standards in all areas, especially in regards to her professional responsibilities, and demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the students and families she served. As her principal, I took great pride in her passion for the profession and was always enchanted by the plethora of quotes and actions that she took to ensure that history was alive in her classroom. Her zest for continued learning was evident in her participation in professional development activities, which resulted in her immediate implementation of her new knowledge and her willingness to share with her colleagues as well as any member of the administrative team. She presented lessons, which were, clear, coherent and designed to meet the diverse needs of her students. Her judgment was sound and she was able to command respect and lead when circumstances dictated leadership, especially impromptu leadership. She was an individual that I trusted and relied on to communicate positive issues within the school environment. She was an integral part of our efforts to dramatically improve the standards of excellence for our students and families. I was deeply saddened to learn of her decision to leave Normandy Middle School and the metropolitan St. Louis area. This feeling quickly changed when I realized that Danyale's departure from the St. Louis area would continue as she engage in the pursuit education and of her ministry with youth programs in her church, which was located in Nashville, TN.

Since Danyale's relocation to Nashville, TN, I have remained in close contact with her throughout the years. She has not changed her demeanor and has remained focused on improving the lives of young people. She has remained humble, hard-working and exemplifies great character. These are extraordinary characteristics for any educator. I continue to commend her scholarship and dedication to the field of education. I recommend Danyale Davis Patterson without reservation and consider her to be one of the finest young educators that I have had the pleasure of knowing. Please feel free to contact me if there is a need for additional elaboration. You may reach me at my office (314) 533-9487 or at my email address, which is [email protected]. Yours truly,

Barbara L. Sharp Former Principal

North Technical High School 1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033 Phone # (314) 989-7604 Fax (314) 989-7665

May 2009

To Whom It May Concern: This is a letter of recommendation for Danyale Patterson, who is applying for a social studies position with your district. I worked as Danyale’s direct supervisor and assistant principal from September of 1998 through the 2001 school year. Danyale worked as a social studies teacher on a middle school, 7th grade team. The school was in an urban setting in St. Louis County and was considered a 90/90/90 school. As her direct supervisor I observed the following skills and abilities: Ms. Patterson exhibited excellent classroom management and interpersonal skills with all of her students. Middle school students can be very challenging, coupled with the fact the district was in an impoverished area. Danyale always maintained a classroom where students took learning seriously while also being motivated and enjoyed learning She worked well with both her peers and supervisors to develop positive activities and learning opportunities for our middle school students She utilized a variety of creative instructional strategies to teach her American History content to 7th grade students. I would recommend Ms. Patterson for any Social Studies position in your district. She had some of the best classroom management skills I have ever observed in my 12 years as a principal and supervisor of teachers. She would be a great asset for your school and district. Please call me if you have any further questions @ 314-989-7604.

Sincerely,

Michael P. Powers Principal

May, 2009

I have known Mrs. Danyale Patterson for seven years. I observed her begin her teaching career at Normandy Middle School in St. Louis, Missouri in 2000. Like so many other educators at Normandy Middle School, I was impressed with Mrs. Patterson's dedication and concern for children, her sincerity to the educational programs, and her insistence that the children of Normandy Middle School receive the best education possible. Mrs. Patterson was truly a blessing to our school for the three years that she was employed there. She was highly admired by the staff, students, parents, counselors, and the entire administrative team. Mrs. Patterson was very serious about the social studies curriculum and program. She worked late on school days and weekends to plan innovative lessons for her students, as she herself sought to acquire more knowledge. She was known throughout the school as a caring and consistent instructor and disciplinarian. Other teachers who struggled with classroom management and discipline challenges sought Mrs. Patterson for her successful strategies. It is apparent when observing Mrs. Patterson that children are her greatest concern, and it is her "life calling" to lead, guide, and teach our young people. It is with a great honor and pleasure that I recommend Mrs. Danyale Patterson for any teacher or facilitator position in any educational arena.

Michelle Cotton Effective Instruction Coordinator (District Coordinator) Normandy School District St. Louis, Missouri