Patrick McGinty
I was born in Denver while my parents were attending DU for their PhD’s. We moved to the Gunnison Valley where my love of the outdoors began. Soon after my sister was born my family moved to Spokane, WA, where I completed school. I ski raced at Washington State University where I receive my B.A. in French, which I was sure was going to help me become a millionaire in the ski industry.I spent the years after college traveling, moving and having many fun adventures. I moved back to the Gunnison Valley and worked at Crested Butte as a ski instructor and raft guided on the rivers. My adventures have ranged from spelunking under Versailles to guiding Paiute Indians through the Grand Canyon. I enjoy skiing, mountain biking and kayaking.
I come from a family full of teachers, with my grandmother as the matriarch, who worked in a one room school house in Montana. Cousins, aunts, uncles and parents always asked me when I was going to be a teacher. So, at the insightful age of 30 I went back to school to get my teaching certificates in Elementary and Special Education at Western State College in Gunnison. I worked in Cherry Creek and Aurora Public Schools with a variety of disabilities.
Working at an EL school was always a dream, but I did not think my path was destined to go to Odyssey. Using the Constructivist theory in my teaching practice has always been a part of my philosophy, but it has been hard to apply. I have already found that Odyssey teachers share this philosophy and are active in its pedagogy.
Elki told me that there was no way we could move our son up on the waiting list for kindergarten at Odyssey. I begged, offered cookies and money, however, she consoled us with a nice smile and said that we should wait to see how the list moved throughout the summer. I mentioned, in passing, that I was a Special Ed teacher and bid her a farewell. The next morning Elki called me with the interesting news that Odyssey was looking for a Special Ed teacher. My path, which was not so definitive, became very clear and easy to see when I accepted the job at Odyssey.
Working at Odyssey is probably the biggest challenge and adventure I have embarked on. I think that the staff is amazing and the quality of teaching is superior, plus the family community is something that is not seen in many schools. While becoming a millionaire may not be in my cards, being a part of a great school reins as the most important goal for my career. I look forward to helping all students and give my best effort in Odyssey’s continued success as an amazing place for learning.
