Columbia -- Patti Tate, Teacher and Advanced Studies Coordinator at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, has been re-appointed to serve on the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC). Tate was re-appointed by Sen. Greg Hembree, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, to serve as his education appointee. She has occupied this seat on the EOC since 2013. 

The 2012 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Tate received a bachelor's degree in English Education from Appalachian State University and a Masters of English Education from Converse College. Currently she is pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. 

Tate has served as a presenter and speaker for numerous school districts and education organizations. She served as the Chairperson of the 2012 SC Teacher Forum and the chairperson of South Carolina's Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) Advisory Board. She is an active member of the Palmetto State Teacher's Association, and the Association of Junior League International. She is a Leadership South Carolina graduate and Education Policy Fellow graduate.

A National Board Certified teacher, Tate was also awarded York County Educator of the Year by the Junior NAACP. She has been a classroom teacher for 33 years.

The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina's education system.  

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