LINC warmly welcomes Pat Mitchell to our Board of Directors!
Pat graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Albany in 1987. She earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from City College and her professional degree in school administration from Long Island University. After working for two years as a social worker, she began her tenure as an elementary school teacher at PS 299 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Pat has held various positions in the Department of Education and in 2007 became the proud principal of PS 48Q in South Jamaica Queens. After 30 years of service, Pat retired from the Department of Education. She is excited to continue supporting literacy engagement and increasing student literacy rates in New York City's black and brown communities as a member of the LINC Board.
We’re delighted to have her join the LINC team. Welcome to the LINC Board of Directors, Pat! Read more about Pat’s favorite children’s books, current reads, and passion for our mission below:
What attracted you to Literacy Inc. and excited you about joining the board?
I remain honored to even be considered to serve on the Literacy Inc. board. This new role will allow me to continue to support the mission of the LINC organization with a collective who understands how important literacy is to improving the lives of scholars. I am super excited to work with the other Board members (also scared to death).
Why do books or reading matter in the life of a child?
Books are tools that create opportunities to connect with people, historical events and causes. It is important that reading is promoted as a social activity that when exercised often and with purpose will lead to proficiency. When children read, they begin to form their own connections to other people, their history and causes that are important to them.
What was your favorite book as a kid?
My favorites are too many to name. But any Amelia Bedelia (Peggy Parish) book guaranteed laughter and any book by Judy Blume made me feel like I was not alone in my adolescent life.
What are you reading right now, and why?
I am now reading "What Happened to You" by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry. This book offers insightful conversations about how trauma impacts us all. I wish that I had this in my repertoire 20 years ago. It has provided "food for thought" for unanswered questions regarding my professional and personal relationships.
What do you miss the most about your pre-Covid-19 life?
OMG. How much time do you have? I miss outings and concerts. I miss family gatherings and I miss close interactions with my scholars.
For more information about LINC’s current online literacy activities, please visit https://www.lincnyc.org/onlineprograms.