October 14, 2024

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Mike Patterson, a high school mathematics teacher in Las Vegas, was named the 2025 Nevada State Teacher of the Year during a surprise ceremony on Monday.

Patterson is a longtime Clark County School District educator who teaches geometry, algebra, and calculus at Advanced Technologies Academy.

Patterson will represent the Silver State in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

“It’s an honor to recognize Mike Patterson as the 2025 Nevada Teacher of the Year,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Mr. Patterson's dedication to his students is unrivaled and his commitment to excellence in the classroom is evident. On behalf of our entire state, congratulations to Mr. Patterson!”

The mission of the Nevada State Teacher of the Year program is to celebrate excellence and strengthen the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on a school, district, state, and national level.

“Mike Patterson is an accomplished and experienced math educator who makes a tremendous impact on his students each and every day,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I’ve been in his classroom and have witnessed his passion and student engagement. I am thrilled that he will represent our great state of Nevada at the national level and he is so deserving of this honor.”

The Nevada State Teacher of the Year is chosen from nominated individuals who are then invited to apply.

After a rigorous application and interview process, finalists' materials – with identifying information withheld – were sent to Superintendent Ebert to make the final selection.

“Mike Patterson is a shining example of an educator who makes learning engaging and meaningful,” said Dr. Brenda Larsen-Mitchell, interim superintendent for the Clark County School District. “Incorporating board games into geometry lessons is an amazing example of how Mr. Patterson inspires student learning at Advanced Technologies Academy and continues to find innovative ways to inspire students and his fellow educators.”

“The entire Advanced Technologies Academy family is proud to have Mr. Patterson represent our school and Nevada at the national level,” said Dr. Anthony Marentic, principal at Advanced Technologies Academy. “He is a passionate educator who is a lifelong learner. His ability to design a high school classroom that uses flexible seating is unparalleled and demonstrates his commitment to putting students in charge of their learning. We congratulate Mr. Patterson on this amazing recognition.”

The finalists for the 2025 Nevada State Teacher of the Year are:

• Michaela Marich, kindergarten teacher at McGill Elementary School (White Pine County School District)
• Laura Ricks, instructional coach at Empire Elementary School (Carson City School District)
• Roderick Lamont Russell, choir and music appreciation teacher at Liberty High School (Clark County School District)
• Sage Woods, physical education teacher at Kathleen and Tim Harney Middle School (Clark County School District)

The National Teacher of the Year program is facilitated by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

In 2021, Nevada's State Teacher of the Year, Juliana Urtubey, was recognized as the National Teacher of the Year.

More about Mike Patterson

Patterson is a longtime teacher with more than three decades of experience. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alberta and a master's degree in mathematics education from the University of Georgia.

After teaching for five years in Canada, he joined the Clark County School District, where he has spent the last 25 years.

Patterson has received numerous awards throughout this career. He was recognized with the prestigious national Milken Educator Award, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - both in 2009. He was also named a Heart of Education award recipient in 2022.

In 2020, he earned National Board Certification.

Patterson uses board games in his classroom to teach geometric concepts. He aims to make math more accessible and enjoyable for his students.

Patterson also founded a board game club at his school, which has grown into a thriving community that gives back to other teachers through the Play it Forward Grant.

Under his leadership, the club has awarded more than $10,000 in grants to support innovative teaching initiatives in schools across the district. Patterson has also served as the president of the Southern Nevada Mathematics Council.

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• Mike Patterson photo (additional photos and videos will be added as they are processed)

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.