Patrick Donovan, 8th grade LEAD

Patrick and Barrett getting ready for a climb

Patrick Donovan

“In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.” --Mortimer Adler

 Patrick Donovan began his career at St. Francis School as an energetic middle schooler, graduating with the 8^th grade class of 1979. Donovan learned some of his most enduring lessons during these years: laughter is a cure-all; learning should always be fun; and metaphors are ice cream sundaes on a summer’s day.

     Donovan went on to graduate from St. Francis High School -where, by the way, he met his future wife, Kristin Owen. He went on to graduate from Gettysburg College where he earned a BA in psychology and minor in English and philosophy. Following college, Donovan entered The Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. After being admitted to the Kentucky Bar, Donovan began work as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, where he focused his attention on prosecuting felony narcotics cases in Jefferson County.

     Working as a prosecutor, Donovan was participating in the local D.A.R.E. program when he discovered that working with adolescents was more rewarding than sending adults to prison. So began the metamorphosis that led to the trade of the courtroom for the classroom.

     Donovan weaned himself from the practice of law and went back to school to earn his Master of Arts in Teaching from The School of Education at the University of Louisville. Following this work, he went on to teach English at Central High School Magnet Academy, where he also was the advisor to the school newspaper and debate team.

     Prior to joining the faculty at St. Francis in 2003, Donovan completed a Fellowship with the Louisville Writing Project. He was also awarded National Board Certification in teaching English, grades 7-12, from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBTS). In addition to this work, Donovan is a recognized Mentor Teacher by the State of Kentucky and the NBTS. He is an active member of the National Council of English Teachers and has been a presenter at a number of professional development seminars sponsored by local and national teaching organizations.

     Donovan currently teaches 8^th grade language arts and social studies and is the language arts Department Chair.

Donovan has three daughters: Barrett, Claire and Grace – all of whom attend St. Francis School.

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