Iowa Association For Health, Physical Education, Recreation And Dance (IAHPERD)
State of Iowa
Legislature Alert
Middle Teacher of the Year- 2002
Deb Patterson
From left to right: Bob Nutgrass (200 president, IAHPERD), Deb Patterson (Middle Teacher of the Year)
Deb Patterson’s role is a physical education instructor at Bettendorf Middle school, While the title of her position reflects her teaching assignment, it does little to describe her teaching skills, professionalism, and commitment to the young adolescent child. Physical education teachers are sometimes perceived as coaches who focus on the narrow confines of athletics while paying little attention to the art of teaching. That cannot be said of Deb as she has consistently demonstrated teaching and professional skills that extend beyond the gymnasium.
Through years of contact with Deb she is known to be a “top-notch” physical education teacher. Her high energy level and contagious enthusiasm provide a very stable foundation for her effective day-to-day teaching. There is ample evidence of her willingness to give that extra effort for students that helps them through this transitory period in their lives. Dealing with boys and girls in an effective manner is commendable. Dealing with boys and girls in a manner that transcends effectiveness because of sensitivity to each of their needs, places Deb Patterson in a very laudable position that deserves the highest of praise. Her very unique blending of strong characteristics unquestionable qualifies her as an outstanding Middle School Physical Educator of the Year.
T aken from letters of recommendation: Regina McGill and Richard Herrig