How Dr. Patricia Koeze Helped Students in Michigan

When asked about her greatest accomplishment as superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, Dr. Patricia Koeze is likely to discuss her role in implementing the International Baccalaureate Program. West Ottawa is one of the first districts in Michigan to offer the program from the kindergarten level on up. According to Dr. Patricia Koeze, the program offers a strict and rigorous educational component. They learn about other cultures, about cultural understanding and about bias. They're fully prepared to participate in the global economy. They're encouraged to develop curiosity, and to become adults who are committed to life-long learning. It's an innovative program, and Dr. Patricia Koeze is proud that she was part of the effort to introduce it to Michigan students.

Dr. Patricia Koeze's Impact on West Ottawa Schools

In her role as superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, Dr. Patricia Koeze was thrust into the spotlight. She was responsible for maintaining and improving the education that students received at the public schools, and this was a responsibility that Dr. Patricia Koeze took very seriously. She attended meetings, meetings and more meetings. She listened in on classroom discussions. She went to seminars. She looked for ideas. She was passionate about students and their education, and Dr. Patricia Koeze worked tirelessly on their behalf. She even began to implement the International Baccalaureate Program, to help students compete in the coming global economy. While Dr. Patricia Koeze is sad to leave Michigan behind, just when her work is beginning to bear fruit, she knows she'll continue to fight for children no matter where she lives or where she works. It's in her blood, and she couldn't think of anything else she'd rather do.

Dr. Patricia Koeze Discusses her Role as Superintendent

For many years, Dr. Patricia Koeze was superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools. This is an important title, but Dr. Patricia Koeze knows that many people may not truly know what she did in that role, and how she was able to help students through her work. A superintendent works as a sort of liaison between the schools and the school board. A superintendent is hired by the school board, and advises the board on what the schools need to succeed. Dr. Patricia Koeze, for example, suggested that the Michigan schools implement the International Baccalaureate Program, which is a rigorous educational program that prepares students for the coming global economy. Dr. Patricia Koeze truly did make a difference for students through her work, and the impact will be felt for many years to come.

Why Dr. Patricia Koeze's Career Move Makes Sense

When Dr. Patricia Koeze announced that she was changing her focus from local public schools to international education, some people were surprised. Dr. Patricia Koeze had such a long history of success with helping students in Michigan, and they couldn't understand why she would leave this behind. Looking at Dr. Patricia Koeze's background provides some clues. Through her work in implementing the International Baccalaureate Program, Dr. Patricia Koeze has emphasized the need for students to travel and learn about other cultures. The students are coached to think globally. Dr. Patricia Koeze has taken these lessons to heart herself, and has decided to take her own advice. By putting her work on a global stage, she hopes to have a larger audience and a larger impact.

Dr. Patricia Koeze Discusses the International Baccalaureate Program

Dr. Patricia Koeze has spent her career helping the students of Michigan. In her role as superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, she introduced the International Baccalaureate Program, which attempts to help young students cultivate both curiosity and tolerance for other cultures. Students are encouraged to travel extensively, and to think of education as a life-long pursuit, not something to be completed and discarded. Dr. Patricia Koeze considers this one of her greatest achievements during her time as an administrator in Michigan. By helping students to think about themselves as members of a global community, Dr. Patricia Koeze has transformed a group of students into better leaders and better members of society. As these students grow and enter the workforce, they're likely to be well prepared to work on a global stage. They'll have the skills they need to cross cultures with precision and understanding. Dr. Patricia Koeze is proud of this work.

Why Dr. Patricia Koeze Worked on the Tulip Time Festival

Dr. Patricia Koeze is an incredibly busy person. As the superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, she was constantly visiting schools, meeting people, developing programs and looking for new innovations. She went to an immense amount of lectures, lunches, meetings and conferences. And yet, she found the time to work on the board of directors for the Tulip Time Festival. She felt it was a worthy event to get involved in, even though her time was incredibly precious. The Tulip Time Festival allows the people of Michigan to strut their stuff and show off their pride in the Dutch heritage. Parades, food, concerts and theatre are all attractions at the Tulip Time Festival and the city takes in many, many tourists. Dr. Patricia Koeze also thinks the festival is important for children. They can explore another culture, have fun and spend time with their families at the event. It's a cause worthy of support, and Dr. Patricia Koeze is glad she was able to provide leadership and expertise to make the event a success.

Dr. Patricia Koeze: Active in Her Community

Some people go to work and head right back home again. They don't stop to help their communities, and they don't get involved in other activities. Dr. Patricia Koeze doesn't believe this is the right way to live, and she demonstrates her convictions through the way she lives her own life. Dr. Patricia Koeze has volunteered her time as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland. She's served as a board member for the Holland Chamber of Commerce. She's served on the board of directors for Tulip Time Festival, an amazing celebration of Dutch heritage and culture. Dr. Patricia Koeze knows she must give back to her community, and help to improve the lives of those around her. She is generous with her time, and so many people benefit as a result.