Usually, teachers don’t get recognized for their hard work and commitment to education, said long-time educator Donna Patton.
“Usually, when they do get recognized, it’s negative,” Patton said.
But this year, Patton’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She will be honored as the 2008 Stellar Performer during the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquet at America’s Center on Friday, Sept. 5.
“I’m ecstatic about it,” said Patton, who retired in July after 35 years in education.
Patton, a graduate of Sumner High School, began her career in 1973 at Hickey Elementary School within St. Louis Public Schools. In her second year, she transferred to Ashland Elementary.
After short stints in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, at St. Louis Bibleway Child Development and Agape Christian Academy, Patton got a job teaching second graders at Pershing Elementary School in the University City School District.
In 1990, she transferred to Jackson Park Elementary, where she has made an everlasting imprint on teachers and students alike up until her retirement in July.
“Whatever they need n love, attention, school supplies, discipline, boundaries n she gives it to them,” Susan Carter wrote of her colleague. “She was just born to teach.”
Patton comes from a family of educators. She’s had several aunts and uncles who worked in the school system as teachers, a principal, a counselor and a librarian. Her mother, Geraldine Thompson, is a retired secretary for SLPS while her father, Jeter Thompson, is a beloved local jazz musician, leader of Trio Tres Bien (formerly Quartet Tres Bien).
But it was Vada Searcy-Bennett, Patton’s fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Simmons Elementary School, that inspired her the most to pursue a career in education.
“She was very creative and had a lot of patience,” Patton recalled.
Patton’s love for education took her to Missouri Valley College, where she got her bachelor’s degree in education. In 2000, she went back to get her master’s degree in early childhood education from Webster University.
At Jackson Park Elementary, Patton was known for going the extra mile for students. Each February, she took it upon herself to write, produce and direct the school’s Black History Month program and was responsible for arranging African American Read-In, where local authors share their love for literature with students.
She has served on many school, district and professional committees over the years. In 1999, she was named runner-up for U. City’s “Teacher of the Year” and in 2006, she was chosen to attend the Summer Institute on the Teaching of Writing at Columbia University’s Teachers College.
She also has professional training in children’s academic enrichment programs, developmental disabilities and school diversity and inclusion. She is a former member of the National Education Association and is a current member of the Retired Missouri Teachers Association.
When Patton is not in the classroom, she keeps busy by being active in her church, St. Louis Bibleway. She’s also an avid traveler, having been to Senegal, Liberia, Guatemala, Caribbean Islands and Mexico.
But still, Patton just can’t seem to separate herself from teaching. After her retirement, she accepted a position as a kindergarten teacher at Central Christian School.
“You never get tired of learning,” Patton said.
Patton resides in St. Louis with Joseph Patton, her husband of nearly 30 years. The couple has two children, Micah and Natalie, and a grandson, Christian Bryce Patton.
More than 1,500 guests are anticipated for the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquets. Tickets for the event are $150 each for VIP/Corporate Seating, with tables of 10 at $1,500, or $85 each for General Seating tickets, with tables of 10 at $850. For tickets and information, call 314-533-8000, ext. 305 or 313, or visit stlamerican.com.