Lisa Patrick's road to becoming the Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher and EC Individual Education Plan (IEP) team chair at J.R. Ingram Elementary School in Sanford is a story of finding your passion in a small town and living a quiet life of service to those around you. Patrick's education career began at a private school in Greensboro after graduating from UNC-Greensboro in 1990. After trying out middle school in Guilford County, she interviewed back in her hometown of Sanford for a position at J.R. Ingram and has been there for the 27 years since.
Mrs. Patrick has been a pillar in the classroom and in the community, particularly as an advocate for students with specialized educational needs and individualized support.
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Q: What originally drew you to Lee County Schools? What has kept you here all these years?
Patrick: "I grew up in Sanford and always knew that I would come back home to live. I like the small town and wanted my children to grow up here as well. The big cities are fun to visit but there is something to be said for the small quiet life. I loved growing up here. It was so exciting when my own children graduated from the same high school as their mom, Lee County High School. I also have a special needs child with moderate to severe challenges. He graduated from Floyd Knight and it was great to have a school right here."
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey? What has motivated you to continue your work here?
Patrick: "The most rewarding part of my teaching career is to see the great things that my students accomplished and how much they have grown. I see many of them at different places and they often remember me. It makes my day when I get those big hugs and thank yous for helping them. I am now teaching some of my students children and it is great to see how they faced challenges and have done great things! "
Q: If you could go back and give your younger self advice on this career journey, what would it be?
Patrick: "I would tell my younger self to celebrate the little things and not sweat the big things. My students could do so much with the support and push that I gave them. I am truly proud of them! I would tell my younger self to enjoy all aspects of teaching and focus on the positives. Every child can learn! All children are special in their own way."
Q: If there is one thing you could tell future employees about this district, what would it be?
Patrick: "Lee County is a great place to work. Truly anyone who chooses to teach is not in it for the money. They have chosen a profession that has a lot of challenges but so many wonderful things as well. We teach because we love children. When they succeed it is an experience that is not a part of every job. It is a very family oriented community and everyone knows everyone else. I love calling Lee County my home."
