Patricia A. Hart
Patricia “Pat” Hart is an accomplished educator whose career is rooted in heart-first leadership. She believes the secret to great teaching is showing families that they are valued a philosophy she has carried throughout decades of service. Pat’s dedication to building meaningful relationships is evident in the fact that she still remembers students and families from years ago, many of whom remain connected with her today. Her work as an educator and administrator has always centered on fostering trust, respect, and communication within schools and communities.
Throughout her career, Pat has held multiple leadership and teaching roles, including Interim Principal at Apshawa School and West Milford Township Public Schools, and Adjunct Professor and Supervisor at William Paterson University. She has mentored student teachers and in-service administrators, supported teachers in non-evaluative capacities, and served on committees such as the iLearn Schools Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. Her student-centered approach is exemplified by her support of students facing challenges such as separation anxiety, as well as her emphasis on positive communication with families and respect for every teacher.
In retirement, Pat remains passionately service-minded, volunteering at her church’s food pantry, organizing Thanksgiving dinners, and supporting families in need. She finds inspiration in her four grandchildren, who keep her connected to modern education and fuel her advocacy for teachers. An active and engaged individual, Pat enjoys hiking, Zumba, golf, cooking, and maintaining a vibrant lifestyle, reflecting the same energy and dedication she brought to her lifelong career in education.
• Supervisor Certificate
• Caldwell University - MEd
• Franciscan University of Steubenville - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building genuine, lasting relationships with teachers, parents, and students, and leading with respect, empathy, and fairness. I approach every interim role as if I were the permanent principal, ensuring nothing is ever left to chance, and I strive to inspire trust through consistent communication and support. My lifelong passion for education drives me to advocate for every child, believing that each deserves a dedicated champion. I have embraced challenges throughout my career, including completing 36 postgraduate credits in just two years while raising a family and serving as a full-time principal an achievement made possible in part by my husband’s unwavering support.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that teaching is one of the most meaningful and lasting professions anyone can choose, no matter how the field evolves over time. This belief has guided me through more than 20 years of teaching, multiple administrative leadership roles, and continues to shape my mentorship efforts even in retirement.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to focus on the power and impact of the profession, rather than any negativity surrounding it. Build strong relationships with students and families, make positive phone calls home to create lasting trust, and embrace classroom challenges as opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Keep a professional development log and remain committed to lifelong learning, seek mentorship, and stay open to growth my own path has shown that unexpected opportunities can lead to incredible leadership roles.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is the increasing public criticism of teachers and schools, combined with the pressure to do more with fewer resources. Rising student emotional needs require patience and empathy, and administrative burnout and staffing shortages continue to impact school communities. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities: a growing emphasis on relationship-driven teaching, new pathways for retired educators like myself to mentor and support schools, increased community involvement through service and outreach, and continued professional growth through workshops and associations for educators and retired principals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are respect, kindness, and strong communication especially taking the time to make personal calls to parents. I strive to embody reliability, professionalism, integrity, and trust-building in every educational environment. Service to the community, particularly through my church and outreach efforts, is also central to my life. Family connection, especially with my grandchildren, inspires my perspective on modern education and shapes how I approach teaching and leadership. I carry these values into every school, classroom, and community I serve.
Locations
Apshawa School
West Milford, NJ 07480