Beyond the Classroom: Meet Your Pattison Award Winners
Each year, Country Day presents the Lee S. Pattison Distinguished Teacher Award to educators who exemplify excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to students. Recipients are nominated by colleagues and selected for their dedication and impact in the classroom. The latest honorees, Meredith Simmons and Terri Sears, bring a combined 41 years of service to Country Day and are celebrated for the warmth, innovation, and joy they bring to their students every day. Meredith is in her 11th year of teaching, while Terri is marking her 30th year.
When Meredith Simmons, PRE-K II teacher, learned she was the latest recipient of the Pattison Award, she said she was honored to join a list of past winners, including her next-door neighbor, Prissy Schoeny. “I just felt this wave of emotion: surprise, gratitude, and disbelief. I never think of myself the way others apparently do, so learning I’d been chosen was incredibly moving.”
When Terri Sears, third grade teacher, learned she was selected to receive the Pattison Award; she felt a mix of excitement and humility. “Sharing it with people who have inspired me made it so special. The award honors the loyalty, creativity, and integrity that I try my best to model every day. I love showing my students that learning is a shared journey.” While everyone who has the privilege of knowing them will agree that Meredith and Terri are exemplary teachers who strive to know and nurture not only their students but also their peers, we wanted to go beyond the classroom and give you a glimpse into the personalities behind the 2024-25 Pattison Award winners.
If you hadn’t gone into teaching, what career do you think you would have pursued?
Meredith: I probably would have chosen nursing even though I’m not a fan of needles. Teaching ended up being the perfect way for me to nurture others...without the need for needles.
Terri: Pediatric nursing. I’ve always loved working with children, and nursing would have been another way to support them.
What music instantly boosts your mood or energy during the day?
Meredith: ’80s hits, Bob Marley, and Queen. Anything upbeat makes the classroom feel energetic.
Terri: Upbeat pop, anything fun that keeps me moving and helps me reset.
What do you consider your classroom superpower?
Meredith: The combined energy between me and my co-teacher, Emily Putman, and the intentionally designed classroom environment, which I call “the power of the third teacher.”
Terri: Patience. Every child learns at their own pace and staying calm and supportive helps them gain confidence.
What’s something you always carry with you throughout the school day?
Meredith: Chapstick, lotion, and electrolytes for my daily special drink.
Terri: Something to drink. I talk a lot throughout the day, so I need to stay hydrated to keep my energy up.
What’s your favorite Country Day tradition?
Meredith: The Wrap-In and the Turkey Train. They get me every time, tears of joy included.
Terri: Sledding on Mt. Country Day. The kids’ joy in the snow never gets old.
How do you stay inspired?
Meredith: I gather ideas from fellow educators online, Pinterest, and annual professional development, especially in arts and play-based learning.
Terri: I get inspiration from everywhere: my colleagues, educators I follow on social media, Pinterest, and the professional development I take.
What advice do you feel like you give students time and time again?
Meredith: Be courageous. Embrace challenges. Dive in even when you’re unsure.
Terri: Be present – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Show up fully for learning and life.
What one word describes Country Day for you?
Meredith: Nurturing.
Terri: Family.