Tony Pattiz, a history teacher at Sandy Creek High School, was awarded the TBS Superstation Super Teacher award for the 1998-99 school year. Pattiz represented the Fayette County School District at the Super Teacher Awards ceremony last month.

Pattiz uses historical decision-making simulation and role-playing exercises to instill active participation and teamwork among his students. Entering his room is equivalent to traveling back in time and experiencing historical events such as Martin Luther's challenge to the Catholic Church or Woodrow Wilson's plea for a League of Nations.

In addition, Pattiz has published a study in fulfillment of his educational specialist degree in secondary social science entitled, “An Assessment of Impact on Critical Thinking Skills When Using Simulations in Secondary Social Science Education.”

Pattiz is one of nine outstanding teachers receiving awards for their dedication to the improvement of scholastics in Georgia. Each year, TBS honors up to nine teachers from the previous school year at the Super Teacher Awards Ceremony. In addition, each Super Teacher is recognized in a public service announcement broadcast on TBS.

These super teachers are some of Georgia's most creative and dedicated teachers, encouraging students to excel in all academic areas from reading and social studies to journalism, arts and science. According to Pam Wedding, vice president of community affairs for Turner Entertainment Networks, “The Super Teachers are exceptional role models for Georgia's education system, and we at TBS Superstation are proud to recognize such outstanding educators.”