In November, the Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association (TFLTA) honored Mme. Patt Webb, a French and Spanish teacher at Sevier County High School, as the 2010 Joyce Ward Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year Award, now named in the memory of Joyce Ward, a former recipient of the award and former TFLTA president, is presented annually by the TFLTA to an outstanding foreign language educator in the K-12 levels.
At the conference where Patt was recognized, the program contained a description of Patt’s work:
Patt brings to this award so much more than just being an exemplary teacher. According to one student Patt makes learning a foreign language come to life. As a matter of fact the student states that Mme. Webb is something kin to a Wizard of Oz tornado pulling students to a magical world of color and life. Her presence in the classroom creates a desire in her students to learn. Students attest to her ability to inspire and to go beyond just being a teacher to being a mentor and a wonderful role model. Without question, Patt has devoted herself to excellence in teaching. Larry Stott, Supervisor of Instruction for Secondary Schools, refers to Patt as the “consummate language teacher.” Colleagues and students alike praise her devotion to her students. Not only does she plan meticulously and present interesting and exciting lessons, but she also tirelessly tutors students after school to help each student be successful. Mme. Webb is known for her compassion. She sponsors the French Club whose members have sent help to devastated areas like Haiti, provided Christmas gifts and parties for the disabled in her school, and organized opportunities to contribute to the less fortunate of Sevier County. Patt has also led many student trips so that students from Sevier County would have the opportunity to experience the world of their second language.
Upon hearing about Patt’s award, Dr. Debra Cline, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, stated, “Congratulations to Pat Webb on being named the TFLTA’s 2010 Foreign Language Teacher of the Year. Patt’s professional expertise, love for teaching, and ability to provide a teaching/learning environment rich in both content and process are obvious. I am pleased to see her recognized at the state level!” Dr. Jack Parton, Director of Schools, further stated, “I am proud of Patt and her accomplishments! She is a teacher who works everyday to provide exemplary instruction for the students at Sevier County High School. It is great to see her honored. She is a wonderful ambassador for the Sevier County School System and for the educational profession.”
Patt’s contributions are not limited to her students and colleagues in Sevier County. She serves as the foreign language representative on the Advisory Council to the State Board of Education on Teacher Education and Certification. Patt is truly a leader in education, having served as President of TFLTA in 2007-2008. Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT) is one of five regional affiliates of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Mme. Webb’s portfolio has been submitted for competition in SCOLT’s Teacher of the Year.
