Mike Patterson is a veteran educator with a passion for mathematics and a dedication to fostering student success. With over three decades of teaching experience under his belt, Patterson's journey in education has been marked by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Armed with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Georgia, Patterson possesses a deep understanding of both pedagogy and subject matter expertise. Beginning his teaching journey in Canada, Patterson spent five formative years honing his craft before making the transition to the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he has spent the last 25 years making a profound impact on the lives of his students. Patterson currently works at the Advanced Technologies Academy, a specialized magnet high school, where he teaches geometry, algebra and calculus.

Throughout his career, Patterson's dedication to teaching has not gone unnoticed. In 2009, he was honored as the Milken Educator of the Year, a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding educators across the country. That same year, Patterson was also named a Presidential Awardee in Mathematics Teaching, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field. In 2022, Patterson's contributions to education were once again celebrated when he received the Heart of Education award for his unwavering commitment to his students and his innovative teaching methods. In 2020, to deepen his commitment to teaching excellence, Patterson successfully completed the demanding National Board Certification process. The reflective nature of this process solidified his strongest pedagogical practices while also informing him of needed refinements.

One of Patterson's most notable innovations in the classroom has been the integration of board games into his classroom to teach geometric concepts. By gamifying the learning experience, Patterson has been able to make math more accessible and enjoyable for his students, leading to increased engagement and understanding. In recent years, Patterson has continued to innovate his classroom by transitioning to a flexible seating environment and moving his curriculum into an online format to accommodate more flexible learning styles. By embracing new technologies and teaching methods, Patterson remains dedicated to ensuring that his students have the tools and resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Patterson has also made significant contributions to the broader educational community. He founded a board game club at his school, which has since grown into a thriving community that not only provides students with a fun and enriching extracurricular activity but also gives back to other teachers through the Play it Forward Grant. Under Patterson's leadership, the club has awarded over $10,000 in grants to support innovative teaching initiatives in schools across the district. Patterson's leadership extends beyond his school’s walls, as he has also served as the President of the Southern Nevada Mathematics Council, where he has worked tirelessly to promote excellence in math education and support professional development opportunities for teachers.

As Patterson looks back on his 30 years in education, he is proud of the impact he has made on the lives of countless students and colleagues. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his innovative spirit and passion for teaching, have truly set him apart as a leader in the field of mathematics education.