By: Kaleb Edwards
April 26, 2024
SANFORD – Patience Whitehead has been a science teacher for 20 years and has been at Lee
County High School for five of them. Now she has been voted as the Teacher of the Year for the
2024-25 school year, and it has been an emotional rollercoaster.
Whitehead’s initial feeling after winning was fear, seeing the administration walk into her room
together. After realizing she won, she was relieved.
“My honest, immediate thought when administration came in was ‘Oh my God, what’s wrong?’ I
sighed in relief when I saw they were smiling with a balloon and flowers,” said Whitehead.
The science teacher has been working incredibly hard this school year, teaching eight classes in both semesters. With five of the classes being in person and three of them being taught over canvas, Whitehead has had to overcome many obstacles for the sake of the students.
“I try to give them as authentic an experience as possible, which has been very challenging,”
said Whitehead. “I have found myself running up and down the stairs to assist them as much as
possible while also being present for my students that I have in class with me.”
It is through this determination to the students that Whitehead believes she won teacher of the
year. ”I think my willingness to carry that responsibility for my department and for the school was a big part of why I was chosen this year,” said Whitehead.
Now after winning the award, it is clear that Whitehead’s hard work has been noticed by her
fellow teachers and peers. It was Whitehead’s fellow teachers who voted for her to win and
winning the award from them has been an honor.
“Receiving an award from your colleagues, those who share the experience and space of
teaching with you, is truly an honor, the very best,” said Whitehead.
After having such a hard year, being named Teacher of the Year was a helpful reminder to
Whitehead for why she continues to teach. With the job of teaching requiring more and paying
less, there are more reasons to find a new career than to stay. “Receiving this honor reminds
me that it does matter that I’m here,” said Whitehead.
“It matters that I stay in the classroom,” she added. “That others see where my heart lies and the good that I do.”
Being awarded Teacher of the Year has been an encouragement to Whitehead and has reassured that she has made a difference in many students and faculty’s lives here at LCHS. “It’s
encouraging and overwhelming in a really lovely way,” said Whitehead.
Obtaining this accomplishment has been very emotional for Whitehead in all the best ways.
The new Teacher of the Year said, “Waiting for the tears to come to me when it all sinks in…it’s a tremendous honor.”