Patrick Thibodeau, a second-grade teacher at Orchard Hill Elementary School, has been honored as South Windsor School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2024.
“I’ve had my own classroom for the last fourteen years. Seven of those were in CREC at The University of Hartford Magnet School. I taught first grade. I have taught for South Windsor for seven years as well, in second grade the whole time,” Thibodeau said.
Thibodeau enjoys hiking, gardening, yard work and playing disc golf in his free time. A longtime disc golfer, he plays on a team called Ecker Hill. He also loves spending time with his family and playing games together.
“I love being with my family. I play basketball and football with my two boys, Malachi and Eli. We do lots of puzzles and games as a family,” Thibodeau stated.
Orchard Hill Elementary School’s Principal, Mr. Michael Tortora has worked alongside Thibodeau during his time at Orchard Hill and has expressed how fortunate he is to have him as a part of the teaching staff at Orchard Hill.
“Mr. Thibodeau embodies the very essence of what it means to be South Windsor’s Teacher of the Year, as he supports and allows his students to DREAM, ACHIEVE, INSPIRE each and every day,” Tortora said.
Former student of Thibodeau, Jaxson Blanchfield, remembers his time in that class fondly. During his time in the class, he made a lot of friends due to the way Thibodeau brought the class together like a family.
“He was almost like a father figure,” Blanchfield said. “He was always very supportive and was open to talking. He made his lessons enjoyable and I can actually remember things he taught me from second grade.”
Thibodeau’s teaching style is one that prioritizes genuine learning. He employs a hands-on approach, in which he works with students both as a group and individually to meet them at their current learning level and help them progress as the year goes on.
Fellow Orchard Hill second grade teacher Ms. Stacey Kraucunas notices the admirable way Thibodeau treats his students. Kraucunas describes how he treats them with kindness and compassion, and how he will check in with them individually if they seem down.
“I frequently see him sitting on the floor in the hallways checking in with students and treating them all like they are his favorite person,” Kraucunas said in an interview with The Prowl.
Thibodeau is understanding of students when they’re struggling, while still setting high expectations for them in the classroom. He supports them every step of the way, making sure that they can reach their goals.
Thibodeau’s classroom is a vibrant environment in which his students are a key part of the community he fosters. His teaching style is impactful and makes it so that it’s a shared journey instead of an endeavor.
