Canton, OH , May 18, 2006 – Jane Patterson of East Canton, preschool teacher at Heritage Christian Preschool in Canton, was named Teacher of the Year by the Canton Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC). She was awarded at a banquet May 4 for excellence in the field of early childhood education. The CAEYC is the local chapter of the NAEYC – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals, which sets accreditation standards for child care and early education.
Patterson, better known as “Miss Jane,” has worked 34 years in Christian education, the last 15 of which were at Heritage Christian Preschool. She will retire from teaching June 1.
As teacher of the 3-year-olds at Heritage, Patterson has seen many students move from preschool through elementary to high school at Heritage. Some still stop by her classroom for a hug. Her commitment to caring for children is lived out daily – as she arrives at school before dawn to welcome students who need before-school care, and as she has closed the doors after the final parent pick-up in the evening. Patterson serves school families outside the classroom as well, often babysitting students who need a caregiver after-hours. For more than 20 years, Patterson also taught preschool Sunday School at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church.
“Her devotion is rare and hard to find these days,” said Elisa Schleig, director of Heritage Christian Preschool. “There is nothing typical about Jane Patterson. She is extraordinary – a hard worker – someone who earned her GED at age 53. And she truly loves and cares for children.”
Patterson showed her unusual dedication to providing quality education when she took on a challenge in 1996 – working at the preschool as the director’s assistant during the day, and taking classes for her GED at night. She had completed the 11th grade at East Canton High School. Then she married Jim Patterson, known by many as “Spark” and began a family, having four girls and eventually nine grandchildren. Her daughters encouraged her to earn her diploma. After being out of school for 34 years, Patterson earned her GED from Canton City Schools on April 23, 1997.
Since then, Patterson also participated in the rigorous process of NAEYC accreditation at the preschool. “She played a significant role in helping us achieve accreditation last August,” said Heritage Head Principal Howard Pizor. “Her willing spirit and flexibility has enabled her to adjust, adapt and accomplish necessary changes. It’s been my privilege to work with Jane Patterson the past 15 years. She does whatever it takes to do her job well.”
Patterson leaves a legacy of faith and love to the children who have sat at her knee, on her lap and around her toy tables. “I teach because of my love of children and my love of God,” said Miss Jane. “I most enjoy teaching the children different Bible stories I learned as a child. I am going to miss talking with the parents and seeing the children grow physically and spiritually.”
Parent of two Heritage students, James Cassler, said Patterson’s faith shows constantly in her daily life. “She has oftentimes gone the extra mile with our son,” Cassler said. “As a student of hers last year, our son showed some developmental problems which she was determined to help him overcome. She has taken a personal interest in him ever since, and continues to attend to his needs, even though he is no longer in her class. This lady sees only the good in others, and in turn only gives the best of herself.”
Upon retirement, Patterson plans to travel with her husband, spend more time with her children and grandchildren and do “a lot more fishing.”
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