McKendree University Honors First-Grade Teacher Mentor
Lisa Patterson of Twin Echo Elementary in Collinsville
Lebanon, Ill. — First-grade teacher Lisa Patterson was named “K-8 Great Mentor of
the Year” by the McKendree University School of Education at its annual Dinner for
Cooperating Teachers on April 22. The award is given to teachers who have gone above
and beyond in mentoring and supporting the university’s student teacher candidates
during their classroom learning experience.
Patterson has spent her nine-year teaching career at Twin Echo Elementary School in
Collinsville.
“I am blessed to have a career that I love and I could not imagine doing anything
else,” she said. “Making a lasting impact on the lives of my students is my goal but
it always seems to happen in the reverse as well, making me a better teacher and a
better person.”
A graduate school instructor influenced her approach to the classroom. “He taught
me that education is not just about getting a specific answer” she said. “Education
can be an exciting journey which allows the students to explore multiple outcomes
while having the time of their lives. My personal belief is that teaching is a profession,
and teachers should always be working to grow and improve our practices.”
The Taylorville, Ill., resident received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois
University Edwardsville and her master’s degree from Rockford College.
Lisa Patterson, the McKendree University School of Education’s
2014 “K8 Great Mentor of the Year”
