Biology and BEST minor produce award-winning teacher

When Savannah Patterson ’19 began at Carolina, she envisioned a career in laboratory research. When she realized that wasn’t a perfect fit, she leaned into her talent for teaching with the help of a Carolina mentor, coursework in biology and the UNC Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching minor. The UNC School of Education’s BEST minor allows science and math majors in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences to earn their secondary teaching licensure in tandem with a bachelor’s degree.

Now, Patterson is a science teacher at Cedar Ridge High School in Hillsborough, North Carolina, where she teaches on-level, honors and international baccalaureate biology. In 2023, she was honored as the Orange County Teacher of the Year. She is also a 2024 Kenan Fellow and a teacher mentor at the school and district levels.

We caught up with Patterson to learn more about her teaching and time as a Tar Heel.

Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?

No, I actually came in as a clinical lab science major! My heart wasn’t fully in it, though, and a professor introduced me to UNC’s BEST minor. Once I made that connection, I switched my major to biology, finished my coursework in 2018 and student-taught in spring 2019. I always lovingly say I fell into this career, but if you ask my family, they’d say they knew this would happen.

Who was a favorite UNC professor? What made them special?

Dr. Jennifer Coble, the former coordinator of the UNC BEST minor in biology. She encouraged me to pursue teaching and was such a kind, positive presence at Carolina.

What do you love most about your job?

First, my students. I love that we can grow together, learn and form meaningful relationships over time. Second, the amazing Cedar Ridge school community. Every person works to ensure our students are successful and supported.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I am most proud of being a safe adult who students feel comfortable around. It brings me a lot of joy when students trust me with whatever is going on and are comfortable being themselves around me. That is the greatest compliment from a teenager.

If you could time travel back to being a Carolina student for a day, what would you do?

Appreciate all the resources and friends I have within walking distance! If it’s my ideal day, I’d probably go to a science lab (but NOT write a report), spend time with my friends on the quad and finish the day enjoying Linda’s sweet potato tots.

What’s your advice for current Tar Heels?

I’ll share the same advice I give to my students: Change can be hard, but it’s necessary as you continue to learn and grow. You’re doing your best, and your best is enough. (Also, if you’re a former student of mine, hello! Love you! Miss you! You’re doing great!)