Patty Gómez is the Chair of the World Languages Department and has been teaching at Pine Crest for 10 years. A former materials science engineer, Patty says that teaching is what she was meant to do.
“When I was in college, I didn’t imagine I would one day work with high school students,” she said. “In my role as an engineer, I taught students at the college level and with adult learners at the corporate level. I finally ended up in the field of education full-time about 20 years ago, and I believe I landed where I belong.”
Get to know more about Patty and why she has prioritized supporting Pine Crest School through annual giving.
“I see the impact on professional development opportunities everywhere. Every year, our school ensures we have the time and space to grow and enhance our practice, both on and off campus. We are a team of 27 World Languages teachers, acting as cultural and language ambassadors within our community. All of us hold graduate degrees, many of which the school has financially supported, and we are passionate about continuous learning. Last year alone, our department completed 70 hours of in-house professional development, and every teacher attended or presented at state or national conferences relevant to our field."
"We also participated in numerous workshops and online webinars of our own choosing. It’s impressive that our school can sustain such a large and talented department. We hold ourselves to the highest standards for our students, and the school empowers us to achieve our goals. Faculty support is a key area where we strongly feel the direct impact of giving.”
“Some years I choose schoolwide priorities because I want to support whatever the school needs. Some years, I give to professional development because I believe that if we focus on teacher growth and support, then everything else takes care of itself."
"Teachers are the engine of a school, so by taking care of them, we will meet students' needs and will ensure the desired learning outcomes. Furthermore, fueling the zeal of continuous growth and learning in our faculty is a powerful model of the aspirations we have for our students. In other years, I've supported financial assistance. I know how important it is for our families and students to feel cared for in their journey through ‘The Pine.’”
“I am thankful. I am really, truly thankful. My three daughters have gone through Pine Crest thanks to the support structures the school has built for teachers—financial aid and tuition remission. They are better people because they are Panthers. Just like my daughters were able to enjoy their time and grow at Pine Crest, many other students do as well. Our teachers give their hearts to our students. I have seen my girls receive the love and dedication of their teachers. Also, as a teacher and as a person, I have been embraced by this community, and I'm very thankful for that. Even through difficult times, it's important for me to find room to give back. It is a way of showing gratitude and taking part in the stewardship of our school.”
“The chicken with capers! But, I wouldn’t be a true Pine Crest teacher if I didn’t admit that crispitos are pretty great!”
“Relationships. At Pine Crest, the connection that exists between all members of our community (teachers, students, staff, and administrators) is the magic ingredient! Our curriculum is great, and our facilities are second to none, but the relationships, the reliance on each other, our belief in each other—that’s our unique value. You can't find it anywhere else. This impressive sense of community is not accidental, it is very intentional. Everybody here believes in genuine connections and works to forge those relationships.”
“Something striking about our American culture is that it's always the community that makes things happen. It is never just two or three people making things happen for everyone else. It's everyone chipping in."
"For example, I am an avid bird watcher and, among other charities, I donate to bird conservancy organizations. Some of my friends and colleagues support youth sport clubs, others support local community theater companies, and many donate money and time to helping those in need. Regardless of our personal interests, we also all support Pine Crest. I believe we are called to be a part of the things we treasure. It is not about a $5 gift or a $5 million gift, it is about being a part of the force that makes things happen. I believe in what we do, I believe in education and I want to support it. My gift speaks to that.”
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Campus Faculty Chair, Jordanna Court ’12!
Patty holds an M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership, an M.Sc. in Spanish Language Education, and an engineering degree in Materials Science. She also has a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership (CAEL) from Harvard Graduate School of Education. With more than 25 years of experience in both corporate and academic settings, she has dedicated the past 15 years to educating young people in second language acquisition classrooms and overseeing student publications. Her diverse background fuels her passion for interdisciplinary education.
As an educator, Patty is committed to practices that empower learners of all ages to make their own connections and develop into independent, productive thinkers. Currently, she serves as the World Languages Department Chair at Pine Crest School, where she also teaches AP, Post-AP and Pre-AP Spanish classes. Patty is pursuing a doctoral degree in Leadership and Learning in Organizations at Vanderbilt University, focusing her research on organizational systems and policies that support capacity building in adult learners.