Dr. Padgett has been a teacher at Shadow Ridge High School for five years, and he is beloved by the students and faculty at the school. Teaching is more than a profession for Dr. Padgett, it’s a calling. Dr. Padgett’s day is filled with moments of learning, connections, and countless responsibilities.

“I love teaching and I love to work with students personally,” Padgett states. 

Padgett also has two grandchildren who are currently living with him and his wife. Dr. Padgett usually starts his day off by waking up early in the morning to start off with a “woke” day. As Padgett wakes up he also prepares to make sure everyone around him is ready to go and well fed and groomed for the day.

“I wake up early because I get myself up for the day, so when class starts I am in a mid-morning mood,” said Padgett. 

Throughout the day Dr. Padgett calls his students “Mathematicians” and “Scholars,” he does this so he gives his students an enlightening motivation of “You can do this; you’re smart and you can do anything you put your mind to.”

Dr. Padgett usually spends his lunch time with his wife and students who come and join in. As they sit for lunch, they talk about math and might ask Dr. Padgett’s advice. 

“I am an exotic teacher,” states Padgett.

Padgett uses one on one as a teaching mechanism. Padgett does not use the computer much because it takes away time the one on one connections he likes to make with the students.

Dr. Padgett was in the military for 20 years, from 1986 to 2006 during the Cold War. Padgett and his wife, Mrs. Padgett have been married 34 years. Together they have had two children and three grandchildren. 

“I have been married to my wife for 34 years although she is only 29 years old. I am a southern man,” said Padgett. 

Dr. Padgett’s classroom is known for being a place where students not only learn academic lessons but also gain confidence, kindness, and a sense of community.

“It’s not about the curriculum,” Dr Padgett explains. “It’s about connecting with each child and helping them discover their strengths and leading my young mathematicians and scholars to their futures.”

Perhaps what sets Dr. Padgett apart most is his ability to make learning feel personal and engaging. For Dr. Padgett, the rewards of teaching go far beyond test scores or awards. The best part of his job is seeing the aha moments in his students’ eyes. 

Junior Jane Campbell states, “Dr. Padgett is very passionate about his students’ future. He cares about them very deeply, he treats them with lots of respect. Dr. Padgett has three rules, “I love you, I respect you, and I will listen to you. Dr. Padgett is a really good teacher.”

In an ever-changing educational landscape, teachers like Dr. Padgett remind students that a great teacher can make all the difference in a student’s life.