The Presidential Award validates the years I spent learning English as a second language, studying to become a teacher in American schools, and following the demanding schedule of an elementary teacher each day. This has paid off and my dedication and efforts are recognized. I want my enthusiasm for teaching and learning to serve as a model for teachers, inspiration to the community, and allow me to continue to be a thought leader in STEM education.

Patricia Hahn Hartford, CT | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

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

Patricia Hahn has been an educator for 23 years and has spent the last 10 years teaching second grade at Parkville Community School. She previously taught at Idyllwild Elementary School, Bucks Hill Elementary School, and at elementary and middle schools in Brasilia, Brazil. Education is Patricia’s passion. She believes every child can be successful and, as a teacher, she creates a classroom where students can thrive and feel inspired by the power of learning and the desire to change the world around them. Patricia is a District Lab Classroom Teacher who opens her class to teachers and leaders across the district to observe highly effective teaching and learning of mathematics. In this role, Patricia actively contributes to accelerating the mathematics achievement of all students in the district. As a teacher of primarily multilingual students, Patricia’s instruction is rooted in connecting and using mathematical representations - visual, symbolic, verbal, contextual, and physical - to deepen students' understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures. Patricia has served as a District Mentor Teacher for several years. In 2019, she was awarded Teacher of the Year in her school. Patricia has a B.A. in education from Centro Universitario de Brasilia; a specialization in educational psychology from the University of Brasilia; and an M.A. in bilingual education from the University of Connecticut. She is certified in elementary education, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, and bilingual Portuguese.

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