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Patrick

Pat Cavanagh

Director of Academics

About Pat

Pat Cavanagh is a Director of Academics at Attuned Education Partners, where he frequently focuses on secondary literacy implementation. He supports district and school leaders to simplify and streamline use of high-quality instructional materials and loves modeling lessons for teachers and coaches. Since joining Attuned, Pat has worked with more than a dozen partners leading professional development at the district, school, and department levels. He has led and synthesized learning walks with an eye for literacy best practices and built capacity through co-lesson planning, PLC support, and year-long literacy cohorts. Pat’s work is always grounded in ensuring that more students have the ability to read, discuss, and write about complex texts.

Career Summary

Pat began his career teaching middle school ELA in the Bronx. He has served as a secondary literacy network partner and high school curriculum specialist at Denver Public Schools, supporting a network of 6-12 schools, launching new high school curriculum, and creating the district’s high school literacy professional development plans. Prior to joining Attuned, Pat served as an ELA specialist and high school team lead at National Heritage Academies, where he managed ELA curriculum that was implemented in schools across nine states. 

Education, Awards & Fellowships

Pat holds a B.A. in Secondary English Education from Albion College and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University, and he is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to Structured Literacy.

My Why

When Pat first started teaching, a very kind consultant, Mrs. Nicholson, was his lifeline by co-planning with him, observing his classes weekly, and affirming him constantly. While he does not remember any of the plans or strategies she shared, he does remember the relief he felt whenever she was there. Teaching is hard, so Pat prides himself in making teachers’ and leaders’ lives easier and hopefully being a little like Mrs. Nicholson.

What Brings Me Joy

Outside of work, Pat loves watching Vulture-recommended TV and movies, agonizing over Detroit sports teams with his family’s group chat, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, traveling to new places, and preparing for the next holiday with his son, wife, and long-haired miniature dachshund.