Chagrin Falls’ Kyle Patterson is Rotary Teacher of the Year

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology adolescent/young adult education from Capital University, and his Master of Education in school counseling from Bowling Green State University.

As the seventh- and eighth-grade counselor, Mr. Patterson created and continues to facilitate a mental health leadership council for high school students to provide positive partnerships with middle school students.

“Wonderful to bring those students into this kind of activity,” Rotary member Ralph Tuthill said in presenting Mr. Patterson’s award at the club’s May 2 meeting.

Mr. Patterson also created and facilitates a Student Leadership Council for middle school students to enhance school culture, student connectivity and student well-being.

He is co-advisor for the student council and middle school book club, and occasionally invites authors of books read by the club to speak to the students.

“He daily guides and supports students through new or challenging situations and experiences,” Mr. Tuthill said, sharing what Principal Laila Discenza wrote in his nomination. “Students perform. Students feel encouraged. Students are valued. Every student at CFMS knows that they have a trusted adult in Mr. Patterson who is there for them every day in every way.”

The Rotarians chose Chagrin Falls Middle School Spanish teacher Brooke Campbell as runner-up Teacher of the Year. She has been at Chagrin Falls Schools for six years and teaches seventh grade and high school

Spanish.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in education and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Spanish education from Ohio University, and a Master of Education in learning and technology from Western Governors University.

Ms. Campbell develops curriculum and materials using ADDIE: analysis, design, development, implement and evaluate.

She facilitates a virtual pen pal program with a middle school in Madrid, Spain.

She is a technology advocate for Chagrin schools, serving on a district-wide committee to coordinate technology and instruction and providing frontline tech support for teachers, staff and students in real time. She is also a Makerspace specialist, a workspace inside a school or library for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high-tech to no-tech tools.

Ms. Campbell worked with a team to lead the response to hybrid instruction for the district during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Principal Discenza said of Ms. Campbell, “She is engaging, encouraging and never overwhelming. She shows students through lessons and modeling how to be grateful and resilient. Whether student, staff or community member, everyone has benefited from time with Brooke Campbell.”

Teachers in the Chagrin Falls and Kenston districts are nominated for the Chagrin Valley Rotary Teacher of the Year award by their school principals. They are interviewed by a small group of Rotarians, who select a winner and runner-up from each school.

In addition to a plaque, Rotary Teacher of the Year honorees receive $300 and runner-ups $200 to be used for personal classroom expenses and professional development.

“It always amazes me that the teachers use their own money for some classroom expenses,” Mr. Tuthill said.

The Kenston Middle School winners were highlighted in the Chagrin Valley Times May 4 issue.