Being rewarded for doing something that I love is an incredible honor that would not have been possible without the support of my family, colleagues, administrators, and especially my students who inspire me each day. This award celebrates the journey and honors my passion of providing a caring environment that fosters growth, understanding, and provides opportunity for all students to actively engage in scientific experiences that are meaningful, thought provoking, and relevant to our world.

Patricia Lee Lumberton, NJ | K-6, Science, 2018

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Patricia Lee, an educator for 24 years, has spent the last eight years teaching sixth and seventh grade science at Lumberton Middle School. In addition to these teaching responsibilities, she provides in-class support services to science classes. She has also taught at the Mt. Laurel Hartford School for 10 years and at Harris Elementary School for six years. She has served as a member of the science literacy team, intervention and referral services team, school culture committee, and was the teacher representative for a student voice focus group through a district partnership with the Center for Access, Success and Equity (CASE) at Rowan University. She received the 2017-2018 Lumberton Middle School Governor's Educator of the Year award. Patricia mentored a group of seventh and eighth grade students and they presented “Hands-on Middle School Science" at the New Jersey School Board Association conference. Patricia strongly believes in a three-dimensional approach to science instruction as well as integrating technology and providing engaging, differentiated lessons so that all students are successful. Patricia earned a B.S. in education from Cabrini College. She is dually certified in elementary and special education. She has earned graduate credits from the University of Pennsylvania, West Chester University, and St. Joseph's University.

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