USF to honor St. Mary School teacher with Bishop Imesch Teaching Excellence Award
The University of St. Francis will honor St. Mary School second-grade teacher Patricia Lee with the 2007 Bishop Joseph L. Imesch Award for Excellence in Teaching and Caring.
The award will be given at 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 19 at the annual Breakfast with the Bishop that includes students, parents and teachers representing each of the 76 Catholic schools in the Joliet Diocese. University of St. Francis President Michael J. Vinciguerra will present the award. The Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain, bishop of the Diocese of Joliet will give a message to the children. The breakfast is in the university’s Recreation Center.
The recipient chosen is a model for excellence in teaching and service in the educational community as well as a Christian role model among students, faculty and administration, according to John Gambro, dean of the university’s College of Education. The award was named for the Most. Rev. Joseph L. Imesch, retired bishop, Diocese of Joliet, in honor of his 25th anniversary as bishop and in recognition of his commitment to Catholic education. Breakfast with the Bishop is part of the university’s Catholic Schools Week celebration.
Lee, of Aurora, has taught second grade at St. Mary Catholic School in Plano for eight years. Frequently noted at eighth grade graduations as the most influential teacher for students, Lee is noted as a creative, spiritual teacher who infuses all of her curricular presentations with Catholic teachings and philosophies, according to Carol Baker, principal at St. Mary Catholic School. She embraces current education theories, is instrumental in using new technology and mentors new teachers.
Lee is a visible member in the school community, and involved in Home and School meetings. She is invited to and attends most of the First Communion and graduation parties for her students.
Lee serves as religion coordinator for the primary department, is primary department chair, as well as chairman of the Faculty Social Committee. She also produces the school yearbook.
The University of St. Francis has been committed to preparing high quality educators since the inception of its founders the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in 1865. The university’s College of Education offers undergraduate programs in elementary, secondary and special education. A variety of graduate programs are also offered, along with professional development programming.