Shamim S. Patwa Receives UConn Neag School of Education Alumni Board’s 2017 “Outstanding School Educator” Award

Shamim S. Patwa has been named the 2017 Outstanding School Educator Award recipient by the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education Alumni Board. Patwa was recognized on March 18 at the Neag School’s 19th Annual Awards Celebration in Storrs, Conn.

Patwa earned three degrees in school psychology from UConn’s Neag School of Education, including a master of arts in 1997, a Sixth Year Diploma in 2000, and a Ph.D. in 2003. Prior to this, she earned a bachelor of arts degree from Smith College, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Colorado, and an administrator certification from Sacred Heart University. Patwa is currently a school psychologist at Goodwin Elementary School in Mansfield, Conn., and adjunct in the Department of Educational Psychology at the Neag School.

“Shamim is a wonderful educator,” says Susannah Everett, research associate at UConn’s Center for Behavioral Education and Research. “For years, she has mentored, taught, and mentored countless Neag School psychology graduate students, who vie for a coveted placement with her.”

Patwa began as an assistant professor-in-residence at UConn in 2012 in the Neag School’s Department of Educational Psychology, becoming an adjunct professor within the same department in 2013. As adjunct professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, Patwa taught seminars for doctoral- and master’s-level school psychology students and participated on dissertation committees. In 2013, Patwa was appointed school psychologist at Goodwin Elementary, where she participates with group and individual counseling sessions with an emphasis on problem-solving and conflict resolution; conducts classroom-based character education programs across all grades; and is a member of the school-wide data team.

“Dr. Patwa is a true instructional leader and has had a large impact on our district, as well as our school and its success during my time as principal,” says Susan Muirhead, principal of Goodwin Elementary. “Her professional and personal rapport combined with her expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior allow all of our children to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.”