Oakland Kindergarten Teacher has Knack for Nurturing

Patty Fitzpatrick, a talented kindergarten teacher at Oakland Elementary, is the Royal Oak School District’s elementary school nominee for the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.

Fitzpatrick, who began teaching in 1987, has spent 18 years of her career in Royal Oak where she taught at Lockman, Oak Ridge and Mark Twain before coming to Oakland in 2008.

“When I learned I was teacher of the year, I have to admit, I cried,” said Fitzpatrick. “I truly love my job. This honor means so much to me.”

Fitzpatrick has long had a stellar reputation within Royal Oak Schools, according to  Oakland’s principal, Sam Lynch.

“Upon stepping foot in her class for the first time, I could easily see why she was so highly thought of. She has a clear knack for balancing a strong focused structure with a nurturing environment that takes into account the needs of all students,” Lynch said.

Her devotion to her profession, her school and her students is unparalleled, according to Jason Taylor, a teacher at Oakland.

“Patti's impact reaches beyond the four walls of her classroom. Her dedication benefits every student in the building,” Taylor said. “She has been the cornerstone of our lower elementary staff. She has taken it upon herself to mentor our young teachers in their professional growth, helping them develop into budding superstar teachers.”  

Former student, Paige Emlaw, remembers how the kindergarten teacher made a nervous 5-year-old feel welcomed in 1998. Fitzpatirck was always smiling and positive, Emlaw said.

“She is a great soul and a beautiful person and deserving of this award,” Emlaw said. “She is the ‘teacher of the year’ every year in my book.”

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