Patty Garcia Word
Director of Teaching and Learning
Patty joined PS1 in 2025 and is excited to collaborate with the dedicated faculty and staff to foster an environment where students can explore, problem-solve, and construct their own knowledge through inquiry and discovery.
She holds a Master's in Education from Stanford University and a B.A. in Psychology and Public Policy Analysis from Pomona College. With 30 years in education, Patty brings a wide range of experience: as a high school counselor, department chair, teacher, and most recently, Assistant Head of School at The Oaks School. Her career began in educational equity programs like Upward Bound and the Educational Opportunity Program, reflecting her deep commitment to diversity and multiculturalism.
Patty and her husband, Jerry, have three sons. She enjoys reading, tackling 1,000-piece puzzles, spending time with loved ones, and watching Jeopardy! with her family.
