Patty Harrington – Master Consultant

Educator for 30 years
Classroom teacher for 16 years
Highly Effective Teaching Consultant since 1991
Credentials: BA, hs/multi-grade

Highly Effective Teaching (HET) field Consultants are experienced Master Educators and inspiring presenters who began their work with the Center for Effective Learning (formerly Susan Kovalik & Associates, Inc.) when they implemented the HET Model (previously ITI) in their own classrooms. Each has sought extended and deep understanding of the neuroscience of learning by attending multiple HET training events as well as outside trainings. They enjoy working nationally with educators and their students. Having participated in coaching, each weave their own unique areas of expertise into the model. HET consultants are committed to lifelong learning and to the success of the schools with which they work. Our 35 years of experience allows us to assist each client with customizing and offering guidance for the most beneficial training sequence at each site.

“Patty is one of the most knowledgeable coaches I have ever had the opportunity to work with! She knows content but most importantly, she knows how to impart that into long-term memory and practice.  Her assistance has helped change the culture of our schools and the lives of our teachers and students.”

Dr. Maree Price, Principal,
Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary, Richland 2 District,
Columbia, South Carolina

"Who do you call when you need brain and research-based information on how kids learn?  Patty Harrington! In my last principal assignment, I was assigned to a program improvement school in year five.  After two years, we exited PI status. Much of the credit goes to partnering with SKA and having Patty as a HET coach who visited us on a regular basis during those two years. Patty models what she preaches. Her interpersonal skills rank 10 out of 10. She's a coach's coach."

Dr. Dennis Mah, retired Principal, Sacramento, California

Patty Harrington’s experiences as an educator run deep and wide. She began her career as a teacher at the high school level, “graduated” to parenthood, which allowed her to experience, first hand, parenthood as a stay-at-home mother for 8 years. She then returned to work at the middle school and eventually worked with elementary, Grades K-4. A classroom teacher for 16 years, Patty is often asked which level is her favorite. She loves students and teaching at all levels and has favorite aspects of each level!

In 1989, after an introduction to Highly Effective Teaching (HET, formerly known as ITI), Patty rushed back to her first/second grade classroom and began implementing the powerful Learning Principles and Bodybrain Compatible Elements. She enriched her environment, taught her students how to work collaboratively, focused on teaching conceptually, and integrated content and skills to maximize student learning. While teaching fourth grade, Patty team-taught science and social studies with her school’s special education teacher and found this experience broadened and strengthened both classes’ (and teachers) emotional and academic learning experiences. She implemented HET in her classroom for six years prior to becoming a full time consultant for Susan Kovalik & Associates.

As a Master Consultant who excels in working with adults and children, Patty has facilitated trainings and classroom coaching throughout the United States, in Canada, Slovakia and Japan. Patty’s favorite part of her job as an HET coach is building relationships with teachers, administrators, and other staff members—from the front office to the playground. She knows the importance of trust and building relationships when it comes to speaking and hearing courageous conversations that can bring about important change.

It is important to Patty that she “walk the talk,” and do her personal best to provide respectful and empathetic responses to those with whom she works. She identifies with the quote, “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” Author Unknown

Patty views the world as a, "...global village whose boundaries are becoming less visible." She shares a sense of urgency as she encourages educators to teach their students to become responsible and knowledgeable citizens of the world community. Alfie Kohn , one of Patty’s favorite authors,  sums this up as he states, "One way or another, a teacher's responsibility (and opportunity) is to help children become not only good learners but good people." Patty's expertise in cooperative learning and understanding of the complex bodybrain partnership make her a valuable resource for all educators.

Patty lives in Benicia, California with her husband, Dale. She is co-founder of her local Meals on Wheels program, volunteers her time in classrooms, and serves on the Advisory Board for the Children of Slovakia Foundation. She spends as much time as possible with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She loves to travel, hike, read, and write.