Ken Patterson brings deep experience in school improvement, instructional systems, adult capacity-building, and student-support alignment to his role as a Maryland 9th Grade Success Coach with the Center for High School Success. He is especially drawn to ninth-grade success work because ninth grade is a critical transition point where attendance, course performance, behavior, belonging, family communication, and adult follow-through can shape a student’s long-term trajectory.

Ken’s career has centered on helping educators translate complex school conditions into coherent, humane, and actionable systems for students. His background includes principal leadership, district-level implementation work, special education analysis, family engagement, leadership development, and school improvement planning. In his role with Stand, Ken supports schools in strengthening the adult routines, data cycles, team structures, tiered supports, and follow-through practices that help ninth-grade students stay connected and on track.

Ken holds advanced professional licensure in Maryland as both an administrator and special educator. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership for Changing Populations and brings a steady commitment to equity, belonging, and the belief that well-designed adult systems can open more durable pathways for student success.