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2008 FFF Southern Council NominationTeacher of the YearMark Van PattenMark continually strives to educate everyone about fly fishing, water quality, fish biology, and entomology through many different venues. First, through his work with the Missouri Department of Conservation, he works to improve water quality by encouraging all citizens to take ownership of water quality problems in our state and to volunteer as a Stream Team member to help monitor and record the status of our waterways. Second, Mark educates people about fly tying and fly fishing on his PBS television show, “The Tying Bench”. Third, Mark writes articles, performs demonstrations, and gives programs to whomever asks. Fourth, Mark along with his wife Regina sponsor a fly fishing club at South Callaway Middle School in Mokane, Missouri called Hooded on Fly Fishing, Not on Drugs where students learn how to tie flies, cast a fly rod, and go on fishing outings. In addition, the kids also learn about conservation, fish biology, and entomology. This past year, Mark showed how devoted he is to the sport of fly fishing and to education when his wife Regina became ill and was not able to teach for 5 months. During the time she was recovering at home, Mark was not only at her side but also made sure that the kids at the Middle School didn’t suffer either. With help from other teachers at South Callaway and members of Capital City Fly Fishers, Mark still organized and attended the meetings and still made sure that the kids experience didn’t suffer while Regina was out. In addition, as soon as Regina was well enough, filming for the next season of The Tying Bench continued, and he attended and spoke at Terry and Roxanne Wilson’s Fly Fishing Expo in Boliver, MO in February. Year after year, Mark continues to work to educate people about fly fishing, water quality, fish biology, and entomology. His dedication to educating the public, both young and old, has been demonstrated over and over. For this reason, I believe Mark Van Patten should be awarded Educator of the Year. Jim Farthing, President |
