Nicole Patterson

Background

About Nicole Patterson

I'm here for the underdogs! And that's all of us at some point. In elementary school, I wasn't a successful student. My family broke up, I struggled with friends, and teachers recommended that I be held back. I had no self-confidence until I got help from a kind and patient tutor. Someone who helped me begin to see myself differently. That is what I strive to do for my students. I got my undergraduate teaching degree from Michigan State University in regular and special education (hearing and language impairments). I have worked in various classroom settings ranging from 3rd to 8th grade. I have also worked as a hearing-impaired itinerant/teacher consultant. After having four kids of my own, I returned to school and got a Master's in the Art of Teaching from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. I then helped to pilot a new multigrade school model at Divine Providence Academy where each child had an individualized education plan. Throughout these experiences, one thing stands out to me. Kids need to feel they are worthy and have purpose. They need to feel they are capable of success. Currently, I am working for All Saints Academy in Grand Rapids. After teaching in the middle school for a few years, I moved into an educational support position as an inclusion coordinator and interventionist. I completed the 18-credit Program for Inclusive Education from Notre Dame University and passed the Indiana state test for an inclusive education endorsement. Now I am officially here for the underdogs. I am working to help all kids feel capable of success and have worth and purpose.