Hats Off To Duval County’s Teacher Of The Year
Published: April 21, 2006
It’s all about creativity and showmanship for Duval County’s Teacher of the Year. Patrick Gibbons’ techniques make learning fun for his fifth grade literacy class.
Hats off to Patrick Gibbons. A good looking purple velvet cap is just one of the tools Duval County’s Teacher of the Year uses to get his students ready to read.
“The classroom is my stage — whatever it takes to get my point across — whatever concept we’re covering — whatever it takes,” Gibbons said.
The secret is in the showmanship.
“Bashfulness and pride all go out the window to get the job done,” he explained.
“He uses so many different voices when he reads stories to [his students]. He draws them in,” said Beauclerc Elementary School principal Emmy Peters.
“I think he’s teacher of the year just because he makes learning fun — and he’s just an awesome guy,” said Brennan Hinck, one of Gibbons’ students.
For his kids, those characters, voices, and costumes create a connection — and memorable moments.
“He used kind of an England voice — an English voice type thing — and it was really awesome,” remembered fifth-grader Waverly Wright.
“He was this little kid who was a Jew during World War II and the Holocaust. And he just made him come alive,” Hinck recalled.
Gibbons also takes his students out of the classroom for class walks through the neighborhood and awards luncheons with parents.
“It’s his enthusiasm and his love for being here every day that transmits to students in his class,” Principal Peters said.
“They have tough moments here and there, but overall, they know I genuinely care about them — I have their best interests at heart,” Gibbons said with a smile.
When Gibbons isn’t in the classroom he stays pretty busy.
He serves as “Jay-Jay,” the school mascot at Beauclerc Elementary. He’s also the fifth-grade chairman, an extended-day tutor, and a member of the school’s advisory council.
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