Patricia Durkin, is an Early Childhood Instructor at Fontbonne University. Her interest in teacher development began when her oldest child entered Kindergarten. Although Patty had been working in the field as a teacher, her perspective changed when she experienced the impact of the teacher and school environment through her child’s eyes.

Teachers, principals, and every other school staff member interacting with the young child influence that child’s attitudes & opinions of attending school, desire to learn and self-identity. At the beginning of every school year, parents frantically call each other and ask, “What teacher did you get?” for they know the answer to this question might very well determine the climate of their family’s home for the next 10 months.

Patty focused her attention on the health of the teacher and authored The Hexagon Approach to Personal Development for Educators (2004). The emphasis of this work encourages educators to do for themselves what they hope they are doing for their students, removing the barriers to allow for full potential development. If the teacher isn’t happy, chances are the students aren’t happy.

Patty serves on the Advisory Board of The St. Louis Teachers Recycle Center. She is also a member of the NAEYC Play, Policy, & Practice Interest Forum involved in the MO-AEYC Play, Policy & Practice Interest Forum state initiative.