If you are looking for Patsy George around CRBC, you will more than likely find her in the Children’s Department where she has been serving for over 35 years. The Kindergarten Connection Class is where our paths first crossed when she was my teacher. I also had the privilege of having “Mrs. George” as my First Grade teacher at James L. Dennis Elementary.
The classroom is a second home to Patsy (as she insisted I now call her). She has been an early childhood educator for the past 40 years and loves working with children. I was able to sit down with Patsy for a few minutes to ask her about her time in the classroom:
Casey: What made you decide to be a teacher?
Patsy: My love for children and their eagerness to learn. Their minds are like sponges soaking up everything!
C: Yes, it is so exciting to watch! What are the top three things you have learned from teaching?
P: Love, patience, and willing to give extra time to make preparations to help children learn. I am a role model for these young children. Personalities and learning styles are all different, so being able to adjust is critical.
C: I think those things definitely go hand in hand. You are setting your students up to be as successful as possible. Did you find it overwhelming at times to help so many students at one time?
P: Yes, in the beginning, it is difficult, but you put the students into groups to help meet their needs. I have centers, desk time and reading time with the teacher. I also use older students, student teachers and parent volunteers to help give children extra attention. Getting one-on-one time helps each child. It takes a village to raise a child; those people are my village.
C: As a Christian educator, how did you live out your faith in the public school classroom?
P: Be a godly example! Children watch what their teacher does and they want to please. I do not allow any negative words in my classroom. At calendar time, I talk about what I did on the days of the week, including Sunday. I also include books about Easter and Christmas.
C: I remember how you let us share our family holiday traditions in the classroom. I brought my Family Advent Calendar, which then allowed me to share about Jesus with my class. So, what would you say to a new teacher to encourage them?
P: Be prepared. Have expectations for your kids, but reward them for what they accomplish- a pat on the back, a hug. Let the kids know your expectations. And for parents wanting Back to School tips, I’d highly recommend reading this blog.
C: I love it! Thank you talking with me today, and thank you for loving children so well!
First grader, Casey Yates, posing with "Mrs. George".
Patsy with her grandson, Cody, age 13 and great niece, Sloane, age 4 months.
Meet the Author!
Casey Yates is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and speech-language pathologist. Casey loves all things Christmas, British historical fiction, walks, pie and coffee. Lots of coffee.
