Bixby’s DeWayne Patterson
When DeWayne Patterson started his career as an educator, he could not have guessed where he would be today, which is serving as the Activities Director and leadership development teacher at Bixby High School. His path was certainly an interesting one.
“I teach the leadership development classes. Prior to working at Bixby, I was a special education teacher. I have a Bachelors degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Intellectual Disabilities from Oklahoma State University. I continued my education by obtaining a Masters in Education in School Administration from Northeastern State University,” Patterson said. “My first teaching job out of college was at Hamilton Middle School in Tulsa Public Schools. I graduated in December from OSU and took a job in January there. That next year, I received and offer and moved to Broken Arrow High School.”
Once at BAHS, Patterson taught for 14 years.
“My experience there was second to none. I had amazing coworkers that helped to guide me in my growth as a new educator. During the fall of 2006, I was given the opportunity to be an exchange teacher in China for the semester. I lived in Chengdu, China and taught at Shi Shi High School. It was a wonderful experience,” said Patterson.
Inspired by his father, Patterson decided to pursue education as a career after spending a summer working at an institution for the intellectually disabled.
“The summer between by sophomore and junior year of college I took a job working as a recreational therapist aide at The Hissom Memorial Center. I immediately realized this was what I wanted to do. So, when I returned to OSU in the fall, I changed my major,” Patterson said. “My father was a director at The Hissom Memorial Center. He loved his work.”
Originally a Charles Page Sandite, Patterson said teaching is enjoyable for many reasons.
“In my current position, I like that every day and class period is different. Each of my leadership classes are working on different projects for Bixby High School, such as our annual philanthropy project for Make A Wish, pep rallies, student and teacher recognition, etc. So, my day is fast paced and ever changing. I love watching my students grow and learn through the planning and implementation process,” Patterson said. “Also, I have become very involved with Jostens Renaissance. It has become a passion of mine.”
