Morgan Hunter Education is proud to recognize America Patton as our October Sub of the Month! America has been a substitute teacher for Morgan Hunter Education for 7 years. America is a dedicated substitute teacher whose passion for education, creativity, and community shines through in everything he does. He has a positive attitude and always says yes with a smile emoji when we ask him to take a last-minute assignment. We appreciate America and all he has done to support our partnering schools. Please read on to learn more about America.
America wears many hats, including father, substitute teacher, Kansas AmeriCorps alum, professional jazz musician, writer, and historic preservationist. He is especially passionate about preserving the stories of the Underground Railroad. He is also collaborating with the Flint Hills International Writing Project to help close the academic achievement gap among Indigenous communities and cultures through writing and inquiry. As a talented musician, America is preparing to release his second jazz CD, Emancipation Jazzclamation.
One of America’s greatest joys is being a father to his teenage daughter, Gracie, who attends Sumner Academy of Art & Science. Gracie was recognized last year as a Rising Star at the Junior CEO of Lemonade Llamas, an accomplishment he is proud to celebrate.
A Passion for Inspiring Students
America became a substitute teacher because he believes every student has unique creative gifts, talents, and learning styles waiting to be discovered. He enjoys encouraging students to reach their full academic potential and helping them recognize what they can achieve.
One of the things America appreciates most about working with Morgan Hunter Education is the opportunity to make a difference across multiple classrooms and school districts. Rather than being limited to a single school or community, he can contribute to students’ learning across multiple school districts while continuing to develop his talents and pursue his interests outside the classroom.
The flexibility of substitute teaching also allows America to spend valuable time with Gracie while remaining active in his community and pursuing his creative passions. For him, Morgan Hunter Education provides the opportunity to balance family, education, and the many other things that make life meaningful.
Advice for Fellow Substitute Teachers
When asked what advice he would share with other substitute teachers, America encourages them to embrace vulnerability and view mistakes as opportunities for learning. He believes that listening to students with empathy and giving them the freedom to express their voices are important parts of creating a positive learning environment.
America encourages teachers to create opportunities for students to share their ideas both independently and collaboratively with their peers. His approach reflects his belief that students learn best when they feel heard, supported, and empowered to participate.
We are grateful to have America as part of the Morgan Hunter Education team! His commitment to inspiring students, and making a difference in the community exemplifies the impact a substitute teacher can have both inside and outside the classroom.
Congratulations, America, on being our October Sub of the Month!