Gib Fitzpatrick
Kathy McPherson
collaborative spirit who fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect among his colleagues. Gib’s colleagues value his uncanny ability to understand any issue from every possible perspective in the unselfish pursuit of doing what is right for Durham Academy. He regularly demonstrates a willingness to validate the ideas and suggestions of others, even if those ideas and suggestions diametrically oppose his own. This makes him a trusted colleague and confidant of the highest caliber. There can be no doubt that Gib’s teaching and advising is both effective and inspirational. One of his former students commented that Mr. Fitz is “kind, caring and passionate about what he does. He is an incredible teacher who is understanding and well-rounded.” F. ROBERTSON HERSHEY Longtime colleague Tim Dahlgren echoes that sentiment. “I have DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD seen him work wonders with kids who have never thought of themselves as math students. His patient, gentle and encouraging manner allows his students to gain confidence in their own ability to be a successful math student. … And, with the added confidence that accompanies success, his students go on to their next level of math with optimism and a can-do attitude.” In short, as another colleague noted, “Gib does a great job connecting with his students.” This is especially true of Gib’s role as an advisor; in fact, he has been described as an “absolute all-star advisor.” The effect he has had on untold numbers of students is vast. An Upper School colleague remarked By Owen Bryant, History, Upper School that Gib’s former advisees, who are members of the current senior class, often gleefully share their reflections of the time they spent with Mr. n nearly two decades at Durham Academy, there is not much that Fitz as eighth-graders. It is abundantly clear, not only to his former and Gib Fitzpatrick, this year’s F. Robertson Hershey Excellence in Teaching current advisees but to all Middle School students, that Gib’s care and Award recipient, has not done. From admissions director, to assistant to support are authentic. He cares about the well-being of his students the head of school, to his current position as an esteemed math teacher enough to share both positive praise and constructive criticism in his in the Middle School, where he also serves as boys soccer coach (he has effort to help them grow into their best selves. Anyone who has ever had more undefeated seasons than any other coach in Durham Academy even a brief conversation with Gib quickly realizes that talking with him history!), “Mr. Fitz,” as he is affectionately called, exemplifies excellent is like talking with an old friend. No matter what, one always leaves his leadership, colleagueship, advising and teaching. presence feeling encouraged, motivated, seen and heard. He is a stranger Arriving at Durham Academy in 1997, Gib Fitzpatrick began his to none and a friend to all. journey as Director of Admissions and shepherded countless families What makes Gib a life-changer? His classroom is an exemplar through the admissions process. Under his leadership, one of the of efficiency and organization. The lesson plans he prepares for his functions of the admissions office was to ensure that every prospective students are both challenging and enjoyable. So enjoyable are his lesfamily who toured this campus should know that Durham Academy sons that many students are known to take on the challenge of “doubleis special place and that each student could thrive here. For prospective homework,” proof positive that somehow Gib manages to make studying families, Gib was the welcoming face of Durham Academy’s faculty mathematics both relevant and fun. Because of his dedication to the art of and staff, helping each family feel supported through the daunting teaching math effectively, Gib has designed a well-constructed bridge that admissions process. leads students safely across from Middle School to Upper School math. No matter how sensitive the issue, Gib consistently takes More significantly, at his core, Gib realizes that being a life-changing considerable effort to make sensible, thoughtful contributions to a teacher requires something even more substantive than explaining formuvariety of schoolwide initiatives. His work with and leadership of dozens las and equations. Daily, he demonstrates that the best kind of teaching of committees over the years has been invaluable. He was instrumental is about fostering genuine connections with his students. For Gib, every in the inception of Durham Academy’s Diversity Committee. Beyond Durham Academy student is at the heart of his efforts. One colleague said that, Gib coordinated several professional development sessions it best. “He cares about Durham Academy. He cares about our students. for Durham Academy’s faculty. Additionally, he offered many He cares about his colleagues and the overall health of our community.” valuable contributions to Durham Academy’s most recent strategic In its effort to provide each student with an education that will planning steering committee. It seems that no matter what the task enable him or her to live a moral, happy and productive life, Durham — coordinating ERB test administration, ironing out wrinkles in Academy is in good hands with Gib Fitzpatrick, a life-changing teacher, daily schedules, synthesizing data or spearheading the annual Camp colleague and friend, on board. Kanuga excursion — Gib is always there, ready and willing to lead or EDITOR’S NOTE: Owen Bryant was the 2015 recipient of the to be supportive of his colleagues in their leadership endeavors. He is a F. Robertson Hershey Distinguished Faculty Award.
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