This is a first for the Decades of Dedication series, but this time we spotlight a PAIR of long-time team teachers from J. Glenn Edwards Elementary, Abby Patterson and Dee O'Neal. These two fit hand in hand, so it is truly fitting that they wouldn't agree to be featured without the other!
Patterson has been in Lee County Schools for 21 years, beginning her career at Warren Williams as a pre-K teacher prior to joining J. Glenn Edwards in 2005. She has taught second, third and now fifth grade in her 20 years at the school. O'Neal has been with LCS for 24 years, beginning with 11 years at Greenwood Elementary before moving to Ingram and then the district office as an Elementary Science Coach for a year before returning to the classroom at J. Glenn Edwards to teach fifth grade science.
These two have been paired in a team teaching group at Edwards that has seen students excel in fifth grade, thanks to their highly effective methods in their specialty subjects. Patterson is incredibly gifted in helping students work through literacy challenges and grow in their language arts skills while science comes alive each day in O'Neal's classes.
While it may be a bit of a longer article than we usually have in the Decades series, we hope you take some time to learn about these two gifted teachers and hear their highlights in their 20+ years.
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ABBY PATTERSON - FIFTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS @ J. GLENN EDWARDS
Q: Can you share any stories of impact where you have seen your efforts directly benefit students or colleagues?
Patterson: "I am proud to say that I have been a part of all 3 times JGE has won Head of Class. It truly is exciting to know that you played a part in helping your students and school be the best of all schools in the county!"
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey? What has motivated you to continue your work here?
Patterson: "I think the most rewarding part of my journey is getting to witness the growth children experience from the beginning of the year until the end. I really love when former students make an effort to keep in touch with me and let me know I've been a part of their success. One of the biggest things that has made me continue to stay here at JGE is that I feel like my contributions are valued and what I bring to table daily is appreciated. "
Q: If you could go back and give your younger self advice on this career journey, what would it be?
Patterson: "Focus on the things that are within your control and don't allow the things that are out of your control to stop your progress! "
Q: As you reflect on your time in LCS, what are you most proud of?
Patterson:" I am proud that I still have a passion to show up and give 100% effort to my classroom and students daily even after all these years! I can honestly say that I love my job!"
DEE O'NEAL - FIFTH GRADE SCIENCE @ J. GLENN EDWARDS
Q: What originally drew you to Lee County Schools? What has kept you here all these years?
O"Neal: "My husband's job brought us to Lee County. Both of our sons attended school in Lee County and both graduated from NC State with Engineering degrees. This just proves how great all of the teachers are here in this county!"
Q: Can you describe the sense of community within the district, and how it has contributed to your longevity here?
O'Neal:" I love teaching in a small county. It feels like family. I have taught brothers and sisters of current students and even the children of past students, which is scary cause there's no way I'm that old!"
Q: As you reflect on your time in LCS, what are you most proud of?
O'Neal: " What makes me the most proud isn't the awards and recognition I've received over the years by the county, it's the accomplishments of my students. I cannot tell you how often I am out running around town and run into past students. Some of them are working locally and some are continuing their education. When I hear of their successes and that I had at least a small contribution to that success is the greatest feeling in the world! I have past students who are now nurses, aerospace engineers, military personnel and several that have opened their own businesses. When a past student takes the time to come up to me and say "hello" and share his or her favorite memories of me and my class, there is no greater gift in the world!"
Q: If there is one thing you could tell future employees about this district, what would it be?
O'Neal: "In Lee County you will never feel like you have no support. Every person that works in our schools has a vested interest in each other, no matter what position is held."