1. Introduce yourself, who are you what do you do?
Hello, I am Patricia Brown and I am an elementary technology specialist in St. Louis Missouri. I work with teachers in helping them integrate technology in their classroom. I am also keynote speaker, trainer, and facilitator of technology workshops. I work with various organizations helping to educate students, teachers, and parents about the possibilities through STEM. In my spare time I love to travel, and I have a tshirt business! My husband and I have been married for 18 years, and we have 5 boys!
2. How did you arrive at this career (or point in your life/work)? Was it always something you knew you wanted to do?
I never knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but something clicked around my Junior year in college, and I realized how much I wanted to make a positive impact on the next generation. I was always a techie, and I now have a dream job bridging technology and education.
3. What about your job makes you jump out of bed in the morning, especially on those cold, dark mornings?
I love seeing the excitement on students faces when they know they are going to get the opportunity to learn through technology. I enjoy the daily grind of sharing resources, and collaborating with teachers to show them ways to engage students through technology. This just never gets old. It’s always something new to learn and share with others,
4. What is your personal cure for stress or how do you raise your spirits in times of doubt? Can you share a Story?
I usually take a breather which could mean a girls trip, or just some me time at the nail spa, or salon. When in doubt, I try to focus on the positive things in my life, and not the negative. I always try to encourage myself by speaking positive affirmations daily. One I say often- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
5. Who is your role model? If no one, any thoughts on this?
My role model is my mom. She was a 2nd grade teacher for many years, and also an amazing wife and mother of 4. She always put others before herself. She is kind, and always knows the right thing to say.
6. What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back in time?
If I could go back in time I would tell myself, Keep pushing girl! You got this!
7. Top 3 tips for girls starting out in STEM?
Try it!
Don’t give up even when you don’t get it the first time.
Be creative!
8. How do you measure your success?
I measure my success by my own happiness, and the happiness of those around me that I love.
9. Where can we find out more about your work?
You can visit my website at msedtechie.com or follow me on social media at @msedtechie
10. Are you social? Will you share your Twitter handle, or LinkedIn profile, or Facebook so that young women can connect with you? Twitter: @msedtechie Instagram: @msedtechie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msedtechie/