About Us > The Library > 2005 Catalogue
> Pat Shuford
By Ulrika Nilsson and Ginny Yu
Pat Shuford is part of our staff of full-time teachers with backgrounds in either architecture or engineering. She teaches at NYC middle and high schools for the Salvadori Center.
Q: What inspired you to work for the Salvadori Center?
A: The opportunity to work with kids and to combine passionate interests of mine--education, architecture and engineering. The work is rewarding, because children are exposed to the practical fields involving design and construction. Children need to see opportunities connected to real life that open their eyes to new ideas and interests. I also like how the Center makes it possible for architecture and engineering professionals to volunteer to teach kids about their work.
Q: How is teaching with the Center different than being a teacher in a school?
A: Unlike a typical teacher, I work in many different schools and provide training to teachers. This year, I'm working in three schools—West Bronx Academy for the Future in Fordham, Anthony Corlears MS56 in lower Manhattan and PS 225 Ella Baker on the Upper East Side. When I'm there, I teach classes and help teachers to incorporate hands-on lessons into the curriculum. We reach about 1,000 students a year, including classroom and after-school programs. The teachers who are involved are generally very creative and flexible. Most of them have attended our Summer Institute, which gives them the skills--for example, architectural drawing and the basics of structures--to carry Salvadori into classrooms.
Q: Do you see a difference after going into the schools?
A: I see that teachers like to incorporate aspects of Salvadori into their program year after year, because it’s motivating for their students. The hands-on work seems to get students excited about learning and that’s the key.
Q: What are your goals in general?
A: I would like to be an ambassador for the Salvadori Center. I would like to see the projects spread to schools not only in New York, but also around the world.
