Patty Shipman – Elementary School Psychologist

Location: Island Park Elementary

Job Description: Patty works with children, families and classroom teachers on assessments for students who need learning interventions. Her goal is to help students succeed with the aid of several school programs such as the Learning Assistance Program, Title I and Special Education.

Typical Day: Patty works three days a week, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. She spends her days working with children, families and the Learning Support Team that assists parents with learning issues. She administers assessments and spends much of her time writing reports and handling paperwork.

Best part of the job: “I love the challenge of figuring out the “puzzles” involved in learning and watching students make progress. I have always enjoyed all kinds of puzzles, but nothing is more fun or challenging than this job!”

Something people may not know: Patty was an investigator for the Department of Defense before she became an educational psychologist. When her son had learning difficulties, she decided to change careers so she could help other students. She has a Masters in Counseling from WSU and Education Specialist degree from Seattle University. But unlike school counselors who deal more with emotional issues, educational psychologists are specifically trained to work with students who have learning differences.

Years worked in the district: 6 years

Outside interests: Patty and her husband Paul live on Mercer Island. Both of their grown children went through Mercer Island schools. Now they live with a “great dog” named Barley. Patty enjoys cooking, entertaining and … figuring out puzzles!

Doug Davis – 7th grade Science teacher and 7th/8th grade Media Tech teacher

Location: Islander Middle School

Job Description: Doug teaches general science to about eighty (80) 7th graders and Media Tech to over fifty (50) 7th and 8th grade students. His science classes cover physical science, the chemistry of matter, life science, genetics, evolution, plants and animals, microscopes and human biology. Media Tech students produce video news clips every other Monday, including fake commercials, announcements, teacher features, teacher/student competitions and more.

Typical Day: There isn’t one. Doug arrives at 8 am and begins with first and second period Media Tech classes. These classes involve a lot of troubleshooting with students to figure out the technology and to develop ideas. “My role is to help them come up with programming that is good-natured, fun and friendly,” says Doug. His science classes are “not the read-the-book kind of classes. All of us teach through hands-on experiences and constructivist learning. Today we are doing a chemical reactions lab, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen to show the difference between elements and compounds.”

Best part of the job: “Every day is different, every year is different. People sometimes ask me how I can do the same job year after year, but there are so many personalities to work with it’s like coming to a new job everyday. I always enjoy coming to work in the morning.”

Something people may not know: “I got good grades in school, but I was a terrible student because I never worked at it. I decided to become a teacher so I could be better than the ones I had.”

Years worked in the district: 16 years.

Outside interests: Doug and his wife Tahne Davis, a graphic designer, have two boys ages three and seven. They recently moved to Mercer Island from the Mt. Baker neighborhood. “We are an active family,” said Doug. “We spend lots of time biking, skiing, playing sports with the kids – anything outside.” Doug is also an elite level cyclist in the Pro 1 and 2 group. That means he rides with pro cyclists when they come to town! Doug confesses to owning 11 bikes. “You could say I have a passion for biking and bikes,” he says.

Tom Cox – Choir Director at Islander Middle School and Mercer Island High School

Job Description: Tom teaches choral singing at Islander and MIHS. He also teaches guitar at the high school. His main “instruments” are his voice and guitar, but he can “fake” playing the piano. Tom works with over 140 students enrolled in choir or in his guitar classes.

Location: Mercer Island High School, Room 503

Typical Day: “No such thing!” says Tom. He arrives everyday at 6:30 am and starts teaching at 8 am. He teaches at the high school in the morning and goes to IMS in the afternoon.

Best part of the job: Working with his students and the camaraderie he enjoys with the district’s other music teachers. “I love seeing the lights go on when my students master a difficult piece.” Tom also keeps in touch with many of his former students. “My wife and I were invited to a wedding of two of my former students who met in choir. They thanked us for being involved in their lives. That really meant a lot!”

Something people may not know: Tom has studied music for most of his life. He started performing while attending Olympic Junior College in Bremerton and ended up supporting himself as a professional musician throughout the 1970’s and into the mid-80’s. His band, “China” played at many of the Northwest’s most famous venues, including Parkers, Pier 70 and the Spanish Ballroom. Tom went back to school when he was in his mid-30s, earning a BA at the UW and a Masters in Teaching at Seattle Pacific University.

Years worked in the district: 18 years. Tom worked as a substitute at MIHS and ended up replacing long-time choir director Larry Potts. “I was in the right place at the right time,” says Tom

Outside interests: Tom enjoys spending time with his wife Valaree Cox, an accomplished artist, and their 17- year old daughter Callan. He still plays guitar and sings with various groups in the area, playing jazz, singing top 40 songs during 4-hour gigs and earning excellent pay. “I am a weekend warrior!” says Tom. “I love playing music.”

Kathy Morrison - Director of Elementary Learning Support

Job Description: Kathy provides support to our elementary principals and staff in curriculum development, professional staff development and school improvement planning. She is also in charge of Title I, the Learning Assistance Programs, English Language Learners Program, and nomination and selection of students for Gifted Education.

Location: Central Office Building

Typical Day: Kathy arrives at 8:00 am and begins her day by checking her email and calendar. She meets with principals, teachers and administrators on a daily basis. Recently, she has been working with teachers and principals in support of the new math curriculum implementation. Most days she goes home after 5:00 pm.

Best part of the job: “I love being around elementary students and staff. This is where I began my career as a music teacher before I became a principal and administrator.”

Something people may not know: Kathy served as the district’s first and only associate principal from 1998-2000 during the years that elementary school enrollment was over 600 students. She was the Principal of Island Park Elementary School for eight years and Associate Superintendent for two years.

Years worked in the district: 18 years. “I particularly enjoy living and working in the same community, watching students grow up and developing many wonderful relationships.”

Outside interests: Kathy loves music and is an accomplished pianist. She and her husband Frank have raised four very successful children who all spent their K-12 years in the Mercer Island School District. Kathy particularly enjoys reading, traveling, going on long walks and time with family and friends.

Bunnie Lehan – Bus Driver

Job Description: Bunnie transports elementary, middle and high school students from their homes along East Mercer Way to school. “I actually enjoy driving East Mercer Way, especially in the fall and spring. I even like it when something goes wrong and I have a new challenge like backing the bus around a fallen tree.”

Location: Maintenance, Operations and Transportation Building

Typical Day: Bunnie arrives at 6:30 am and gets ready for her morning run driving high school, middle and elementary school students. She drives kindergarten students at mid-day and elementary students in the afternoon. Bunnie drives 175-200 students every day. She usually goes home at 4:30 pm.

Best part of the job: “I love interacting with kids. They are a lot of fun and their lives are so happy and carefree. I try to be there when they need someone to talk to. Sometimes I feel like a mother hen! This year I have a few Japanese students who are learning to speak English. They were so scared when they first got on the bus. I put them in the second seat and I have even learned a few words of Japanese. I am now driving the children of my first 'children' on Mercer Island. I have had the privilege of watching them grow up and hope that I have given them something positive to take away from their childhood.”

Something people may not know: Bunnie has seven grandchildren and is a great-grandmother to two girls ages one and three.
Years worked in the district: 27 years and “I wouldn’t do anything else!”

Outside interests: Bunnie enjoys knitting, crocheting, 'dabbling' in crafts and reading both fiction and non-fiction. She also loves being outside.

Danae Burger – 7th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher

Job Description: Danae teaches language arts and social studies to 80 7th grade students at Islander Middle School. Her students learn Washington State history and read novels such as “The Outsiders,” “Ghost Canoe,” and “Farewell to Manzanar.” Since 7th grade is the first year students are tested on the WASL writing exam, they practice persuasive writing and write multiple expository essays. Students are engaged in project-based learning with projects such as “Rock Around Washington” and the year-end Culture Project.

Location: Islander Middle School

Typical Day: Danae arrives at 7:00 am and begins her day by standing in line at the copy machine with all of the other “regulars” who have last-minute projects to complete. Her first class begins with “the sleepy kids” for first period. This year, though, they’re not sleepy! She can often be found during prep period grading papers on her yoga mat. Danae finishes her day with the afternoon block.

Best part of the job: Working with middle school students. “Many of them have been together since kindergarten, so they know each other really well. They are very funny – I have one student who sings my instructions back to me! On a good day, I walk out of here thinking 'I can’t believe I get paid for this.' On bad days, when I teach sloppily, I am hard on myself. But we are so well supported at IMS. I am recognized for my strengths and encouraged to be a leader in areas I excel in. In my third year of teaching, I am finally learning how to teach smarter.”

Something people may not know: “I am learning to cook. Someday I would like to learn the art of flower arranging.”

Years worked in the district: Three years. Danae came to Mercer Island after her first year of teaching in the Northshore school district.

Outside interests: Danae enjoys travel, snow skiing and reading, even though she is a slow reader. She says, “I understand why it’s difficult for some kids to get through 21 books a year!” She visits Minnesota, her home state, whenever she can. Danae and her husband Jeremy live in an apartment in downtown Mercer Island. “We love it,” she says. “Everything we need is right here.”

Alex Lin-Meyer – 4th grade teacher, Lakeridge Elementary

Job Description: Alex teaches math, science, social studies, reading and writing to 24 4th graders every day. He works on inspiring kids to have confidence in their ability to learn and get along with others. “Fourth graders are still at an age when you can help them change their perceptions about themselves. It’s very cool to be a part of that.”

Typical Day: Alex arrives at 8 am (after a 7:45 am Starbucks stop). He stays until 5 pm, sometimes 7 pm. “It takes a lot of planning to make teaching seem effortless.” Alex and his students do a lot of fun things like growing plants for science lessons, participating in student-run class meetings, reading amazing books, and showcasing their math talents. They also go on field trips to enhance learning in the classroom.

Best part of the job: “Making a difference in the lives of my students. I never dread coming to work on Mondays!

Something people may not know: This is Alex’s 4th year of teaching. So far he has taught 6th, 1st, 2nd and 4th grade. Before becoming a teacher, Alex worked as an aerospace engineer and a web developer. “I am blessed to be at Lakeridge. It is such a positive atmosphere – everyone is focused on kids and all of the teachers help each other. It’s a wonderful place to be.”

Outside interests: Alex and his wife Monica live in Ballard with their 2 cats. Alex says, “I couldn’t be doing this job without the support of my wife. She’s really a major reason I’m here.” One of Alex’s favorite activities is scuba diving, especially with sharks. “They remind me that I really am a small fish in a very big pond!”