Rock Star
This school year brought a new fourth-grade teacher to Murch, Timothy Patterson. He’s jumped in with both feet, advising the Student Blog and coaching cross country. The Pittsburgh native tells us how he happened to land here – after stints working in marketing and touring with a rock band -- and how life is going so far as a newly minted Mustang.
First, give us the basics.
I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, moved to the city in 2001, and lived there up until I began teaching at Murch. I have a bachelors degree with a dual major in business and communications and an M.A. in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. Bet we know who you’ll be rooting for in the Super Bowl. I am definitely a Steelers fan. I am really excited for another Pittsburgh Super Bowl victory. I am also a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan. Even though the Washington Capitals are their arch-nemesis, I don't hold it against my students.
How did you decide on teaching after business and communications?
I have had the opportunity to work in many different types of jobs during my life. As a kid I delivered papers, worked in a grocery store, and flipped burgers at a few local restaurants. During my college years I was a tour guide, worked in retail, and constructed office buildings. After college I was an event planner for an independent company, a medical records specialist for the University of Pittsburgh, and a marketing coordinator for Dick’s Sporting Goods. There are many reasons why I wanted to switch careers and become an elementary teacher. I wanted a job that would embrace my creativity and my passion for learning new things. I wanted to be a part of molding our country’s future by instilling positive mindsets, cherishing small accomplishments, and supporting the individual endeavors of children.
After living your whole life in Pittsburgh, how did you make your way to Murch?
After receiving my masters degree last spring, I began applying for teaching jobs all around the country. Even though I really love the city of Pittsburgh, I wanted to explore other cities. I found out about Murch through Ms. Werner – I’ve known her husband, Nick, and his family for nearly 20 years - and dropped off my application in the summer. Before long, I was scouting out housing in the District and began teaching in August.
That was fast. How are you adjusting?
One of my greatest challenges as a new teacher, in a new city, has been becoming aligned with the way the education system works in DC. I interned for a year at Falk Laboratory School, which is affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. At Falk, I taught in a fourth and fifth grade combined class, did not have standards to follow, and was able to create entire units on whatever topic we thought was relevant for that specific year. Switching to a public school with very specific curriculum requirements has been interesting.
What stands out so far about this group of Mustangs?
My most memorable classroom moment did not happen in the classroom but during recess. My students had been working really hard at the beginning of the year, so I rewarded them with a whole class kickball game. I played all-time outfielder for most of the game. In the last inning, one of the teams begged me to come kick for them. The bases were loaded, there were two outs, and I had already kicked two foul balls. I called my shot and pointed to the school roof. The pitch came, and I had to have kicked it 50 feet in the air. As it slowly began falling back down to earth, I noticed Oliver Acar eyeing it up. In the next moment, he snagged it right out of the air. Everyone from both teams ran toward him and began jumping on him in excitement. It was quite an amazing moment to see all of my students come together, as one class, and celebrate. It just goes to show that the game itself did not matter. What did matter that day was the way a single catch brought unity to my class.
What a wonderful story! Are things that exciting inside the classroom?
My classroom is alive. We are constantly moving around, trying new things, experimenting with content, and holding meaningful discussions about what it means to be a learner. I have a great rapport with my students. We have set up a Community of Learners that looks out not only for themselves but others as well. We work together on projects, provide support to one another, and try to help each other out when opportunity allows. What enhancements or curriculum would you like to see at Murch? I’d like the students to have more of an opportunity to take control of their own learning through self-assessments, goal setting, and by providing them with opportunities to learn on a regular basis about topics which interest them.
Word has it that you have a few special skills.
Well, besides being able to sing the ABC’s backwards, I can juggle, build furniture, and enjoy cooking. I enjoy running, exploring the city, drawing landscapes and cityscapes, and playing guitar. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to put out a few CDs and tour the Eastern United States, playing guitar for a band.
Cool -- where do we sign up for Camp Rock?
Ha! So far I’ve been pretty busy coaching the Murch Cross Country team for fourth and fifth graders in the fall. I am also the faculty advisor for the Murch Mustang Student Blog.
Now that you’ve been here for three quarters, what do you think?
The one thing that has really amazed me about Murch is how involved, supportive, and interesting the families are. I've had great experience with many families so far this year and really feel like I can talk to them about anything, whether it's a serious conversation or a light-hearted one.
Finally, how would you finish this sentence: “If I weren’t a teacher, I’d be…”
...in the Peace Corps!
-- Donna LaPorte Scharpf
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