The District is so proud to recognize Mrs. Patricia Phile and her nomination for the BCIU’s Annie Sullivan award, which recognizes local educators for their service to students with special needs. Mrs. Phile–or Miss Patty as she’s affectionately known–is a 20 year veteran of the Exeter Township School District, where she works as a paraprofessional to support students with social, emotional and behavioral needs. Miss Patty works at Lorane, and was nominated by the school’s principal, Mrs. Karen Hodge, who said, “Miss Patty understands and tailors her support to help and encourage all of her students… She exudes positivity and promotes joy to her kids and to adults, alike, even during difficult times and long, challenging days… She delivers her academic support with the same enthusiasm and encouragement as a classroom teacher. She tactfully coaches students to take academic risks and promotes a true love of learning.” Mrs. Hodge continued, "As her building principal, Miss Patty is the warmest, kindest individual I have ever worked with... I am so grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge Miss Patty’s work today amongst all the wonderful examples people like her have on special education here in Exeter." 

When thanking the Board for recognizing her work, Miss Patty reflected back on how losing her mother to cancer before she started kindergarten and how her son’s struggles with dyslexia while growing up shaped her professionally and allowed her to become a more understanding and supportive educator. "(My son's dyslexia) journey has enabled me to want to help students in need, to spur them on, and to share the wonderful world of knowledge with them so that they, too, can become a success in academics as well as in their lives," she said. 

We are so honored to recognize Miss Patty and her tremendous work and caring support of our students, and we are grateful that her work was recognized among her peers at the county level. Congratulations Miss Patty; we are so lucky to have you here in Exeter!