“Ms. Patoka was the perfect teacher at the perfect time for our Olivia. After years of home care, it was a dramatic shift for our family to start school outside the home but Ms. Patoka made the transition seamless. She welcomed Olivia and our entire family into her classroom and created an atmosphere for learning, growth, intellectual curiosity, and authenticity. She has the gift of making her students feel important as individuals while simultaneously being an integral part of a larger group. Our little one has excelled since her time in Ms. Patoka’s classroom and we will be forever grateful. I’m excited and proud of all she will bring to the students in Tennessee.”

“Wendy Patoka is the most encouraging and inspiring educator my daughter has ever had. She teaches kids to be self-reliant, capable, and confident. After a year and Mrs. Patoka‘s class, your student will be an active learner, confident, and curious about the world around them. My daughter’s experience in Mrs. Patoka’s class was transformative. We are so thankful for it.”

“Mrs. Patoka is one of a kind.  As a high-school teacher myself, and with my husband being a former college professor, we hold educators to particularly high standards, and she has more than met them.  We have known Mrs. Patoka for more than 7 years, having entrusted her with both of our children during their primary and kindergarten years — the most critical period of a child’s development.  Her passion and unique vision for teaching radiate from every corner of her classroom, and you feel enveloped in it. I knew instantly that she was the right fit.  From morning lessons in her garden to her butterfly hatchery, she brings the world’s wonders into a child’s eyes.  Her students are conscientious, free-thinking yet disciplined, and have a love for learning.  Our kids (7 and 10) are inquisitive, independent, and love to learn, and without a doubt I see Mrs. Patoka’s imprint on them.  We are so lucky to have met this phenomenal teacher.”