About Stephen Patterson

Stephen Patterson is a Texas-based educator who has worked on a teaching and administrative level in the industry and honed his calling in life to help improve the lives of others through education. He earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. 

Early in his career as an educator, Stephen Patterson stepped into a role with West Orange’s Cove Consolidated Independent School District as a Middle School Math Teacher. He then stepped into the same position in the Beaumont Independent School District, teaching summer school classes for the high school as well. While earning his doctoral degree, Stephen Patterson served as an Adjunct Professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Stephen F. Austin State University. 

After earning his Doctorate, Stephen joined the Orangefield Independent School District, where he served from 2002 to 2019. He started as High School Assistant Principal, became High School Principal, moved into the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and finally served as the Orangefield Superintendent of Schools. 

Throughout his professional career, Stephen Patterson has published several pieces in journals and publications on various topics in the education industry. These topics include “The Cultural Divide,” “The Relationship Between School Culture and Student Achievement in Texas Public High Schools,” “Getting On Board the Change Train Toward a Culture of Success,” “Democratic Practices of Superintendents,” and “Democratic Leadership Practices of High School Principals and the Perceived Effect on Student Performance.” He is also involved with several educational organizations as a professional. These include Friends of Texas Public Schools, where he served on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee; the Texas Association of Community Schools, where he served as Legislative Committee Chairman and on the Executive Board; and the Texas Association of School Administrators, where he served on both the Legislative Committee and the Small Schools Committee. 

Outside of his career, Stephen Patterson is an active and involved member of his community. He has served on the board for the Nelda & H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, he served on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Leadership Southeast Texas, he was an Executive Board Member for the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, he was a member of Rotary International, he held a Board of Directors position with United Way in Orange County, and he spent many years involved with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce. 

In his free time, Stephen enjoys golfing, a sport and pastime that’s been part of his life since childhood, when his father and grandfather taught him the game. 

Learn more about Stephen Patterson and his insights on leadership by checking out his blog page!