2005 IMLA State Educator of the Year

Patty Reggear

Patty Reggear of the Orofino Junior High Vikings is an ideal candidate for Idaho's Middle School Teacher of the Year.  She is truly an inspiration for students and teachers alike here at OJHS.  The Viking ship continues to float since it was built in 1908, and although it was upgraded in the 1930s, it has been the staff who have kept it together as it has begun to crumble the past 20 years .  The esprit de Corp at OJHS rises above the aging building.  A constant on the Viking ship is the leadership, courage and determination of the first mate, Patty Reggear.   Patty has led when the district decided a principal was not needed in the jr. high.  She listens and gives advice effectively.  Patty is  incredibly loyal and has never caused  dissension among a Viking clan of teachers who has had 6 different leaders in 6 years.

Patty always goes beyond the call of duty to take care of our students.  With her elementary certification, she is often called on to teach new subjects, and she does an exemplary job.  In her 18 years of teaching here, she has been asked to teach Title 1, English, Writing, Social Studies, Novels, Character Education, and Art.  With each new assignment, she has taken her own time and resources to get the training to do the job well.  Last spring Patty attended the IMLA conference entirely on her own nickel, and during the summer, she spent six weeks in Boise taking an art class to improve her teaching.  Walking through our school hallways, we can see the results in our students' amazing artwork.

Here at OJHS, we are endeavoring to create a middle school atmosphere in a traditional junior high setup.  Without Patty, we never would have begun.  She dragged us all to our first Middle School Conference, and has kept us involved ever since.  She has been the impetus for including advisory, student-led conferences, cross-curriculum integration, and many other great aspects of the middle school philosophy.  Patty has invited guest speakers to explain different programs to our staff.  She has taken countless hours to develop curriculum for our advisory activities.  She continues encouraging us to provide the best environment possible for our students.

OJHS Principal Shannon Wilson  wrote:  Patty runs the ship when I am gone, but I really think she runs the ship by her mere calming presence and persistent examples of active leadership through example. In the time of a 4 day week, RIF's, and a tough economy, Patty remains the most valuable Viking on our ship. I think she has plugged every hole in some way so the 97 year old ship sails with PRIDE  rather than sinking.     

Overall, her love for our students is the most important reason why Patty Reggear should be the Idaho Middle School Teacher of the Year.  She greets each student daily at her door and makes a difference in their lives by teaching with enthusiasm and determination that makes a difference.  She is an excellent example of a teacher who can maintain discipline and still be respectful and caring towards students.  Clearly, Patty is a superb candidate for this award.