Former professional basketball player, Rich Patterson always valued working with kids and helping them to succeed. His path to education, while unconventional, has given him the tools to continue making a difference. Rich's passion for making education available to those in need is infectious. He is now sharing his experience, his knowledge and his research working in a literary center that caters to children of low income families, with learning difficulties.
"We need to motivate males to teach! Make it appealing, make more programs male-friendly. Places are looking for men in early childhood education. I think it's important research. It's something I am really passionate about.
"The decision to leave New York and come to UND... this journey...was about so much more (than money). It was about finding out who I could help, how I could make a impact on young children and be a positive influence on people. I wanted to be a role model for them. These kids are our future. That's why I teach! If I can help one of these kids become a productive member of society, my job is done. If I reach many? Wow! What a gift!"