English Coordinator
Patrick arrived at LTF because of his commitment to helping teachers improve Pre-AP and AP instruction. His favorite part of the job is “the chance to write alternative approaches to delivering curriculum that hasn’t changed in substance for quite some time.” He believes a great way to do this is to include “high-interest material that both the student and the teacher might enjoy.” Patrick most favors the incorporation of “non-canonical topics” as he develops these alternative approaches: topics he has managed to write into AP English materials include the Daily Show, cryptozoology, and super heroes.
When asked about his own philosophy of education, Patrick describes it as “existential”: “both instructor and pupil have to exist (though their roles can be and often are fluid), and regardless of age, both instructor and pupil have to make a conscious effort to master the material. The LTF material that I have worked on is really good at showing the teachers what to do, but it also gives the teachers the individual freedom and responsibility to craft his or her own lesson to deliver content in a meaningful and informative fashion,” he explains. Patrick looks forward to continuing work on increasing Pre-AP material’s effectiveness for AP-level preparation, as well as making AP more accessible for all students with college aspirations.
Patrick holds a BA in English and an MA in Humanities (Literature). He taught AP English in Dallas ISD, where he served as Department Chair, and was an adjunct professor at an area community college before joining LTF in 2008.