Alumna Receives the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching from Roxborough High School

Monday, August 17, 2009

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Alumna Patricia Walder ’96 received the 2009 Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching from Roxborough High School in Philadelphia, where she has worked for the past 21 years. Every year, one outstanding teacher from each of the 62 high schools in the School District of Philadelphia receives the honor. The criteria for winning the Lindback Award includes a “teachers' success in creating a positive, supportive learning environment to advance student proficiency in academic subjects; making learning relevant and fun; serving as a role model to students; establishing trusting relationships with students, parents, guardians and community members; and motivating students to learn, explore and maximize their spirit of inquiry and critical thinking.”

Patricia Walder’s experience in education spans nearly four decades, with 31 years spent in the School District of Philadelphia. She is currently a web design and animation teacher at Roxborough High School, and also serves as the information technology coordinator, technology teacher leader and assistant roster chairperson.

With certifications as a technology specialist as well as in business, computers, and special education, Walder applies her expertise in diverse ways at Roxborough High School. She oversees all technology initiatives at the high school as well as acting as the Mac network administrator and webmaster. In addition, Walder’s web design students have ranked as winners in both city and state competitions for the last three years.

Patricia Walder has also been an instructor at Chestnut Hill College in the Applied Technology Program in the School of Graduate Studies for the past 12 years. She has taught courses in introductory video communications, advanced video production and networking, and has served on the Pennsylvania State Technology Specialist Certification review board.

Outside of the classroom, Patricia Walder enjoys reading, traveling and genealogy. She served as director for the Colonial Service Unit of Freedom Valley Girl Scout Council for six years. A resident of Lafayette Hill, Pa., Walder holds a master’s degree in education from Penn State University and a Master of Science in applied technology from Chestnut Hill College.