Students Say ROHS Teacher ‘Changes Lives’

Patricia O’Leary-Dunn is creating awareness for autism at Royal Oak High School (ROHS) through engagement. Her genuine and warm approach has made her the Royal Oak School District’s high school nominee for the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.

O’Leary-Dunn has been teaching in Royal Oak since 1995. After teaching English for many years, she made a personal decision in 2010 to teach within the Special Education Department and took on the demanding task of establishing a new reading program for students with special needs.

“I appreciate the recognition as being a positive part of Royal Oak High School; a place where there are so many hard working, creative, and kind staff members and students,” O’Leary-Dunn said.

“Patti utilizes technology in her daily lessons and differentiates instruction for students through visual, oral and tactile exercises,” said Mike Van Camp, principal at ROHS. “She is actively moving and engaging in a kinesthetic way in lessons.”

O’Leary-Dunn has also been a champion for her students by participating in community events, such as Walk for Autism, Van Camp said.

“She is truly one of the most inspirational people,” said Jennifer Brown, a teacher at ROHS. “Patti reaches beyond to touch the lives of her students.” 

One of those students impacted by O’Leary-Dunn is Mackenzie Haglund – a student in the BRIDGES program. BRIDGES, which stands for “building relationships in general education settings,” was introduced by O’Leary-Dunn to help students develop and maintain friendships and social connections. 

“She put her whole heart into BRIDGES and has changed our lives forever,” Haglund said. “She taught us that everyone is equal and kids that have disabilities have amazing talent and are great people.”

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