Eric Patin is a sought-after teacher known as a valued mentor to colleagues and students, who seek him out for advice and leadership. Through his data-driven approach to instruction and easy repertoire with young people, Patin has led many struggling Chatham Central High School students to academic success.
Patin heads the Chatham Central science department in using student performance data to inform both classroom instruction and tutoring. New teachers are referred to Patin as a model for developing lesson plans. His science courses are rooted in constant student assessment, which Patin analyzes weekly to guide activities that meet the needs of each student.
He’s known as a highly effective teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities that give students hands-on experience to truly understand concepts. By developing relatable learning plans that link day-to-day life with larger ideas, Patin is able to guide those with academic difficulties to perform to the best of their ability. Under Patin’s tutelage, students have some of the highest biology exam scores in the state and many have entered into honors classes.
Patin is a model educator who is dedicated to the academic improvement of students across Chatham County Schools. He volunteered to become a teacher for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a program that seeks to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college. As an AVID leader, Patin has presented new teaching strategies to school leaders and the district at large, as well as advising teachers and district administrators on curriculum and assessment methods.
Patin’s positive impact on his students and their capacity to achieve is evident. All 20 of his first-year AVID students who graduated were accepted to at least one four-year college and amassed more than $3 million in scholarships. At their graduation, each of those students referenced Patin’s influence as an important factor in their accomplishments.
Patin holds National Board Certification in Adolescence and Young Adulthood/Science. He earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Michigan in 1999 and an Associate of Science from Grand Rapids Community College in 1996.
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."..." (read more)
