Pacoima : Cable Group Honors Innovative Teacher

Taffy Patton, a fifth-grade teacher at Vena Magnet Elementary School in Pacoima, has been recognized nationally for her efforts in using cable television in the classroom.

The award, from Black Entertainment Television, a Washington, D.C.-based cable network, will be presented to Patton during a segment of United Artists Cable’s “Cable Interactive,” a live local program that will premiere Monday at 7 p.m. on Channel 15.

Patton was selected from among more than 100 elementary, middle and high school teachers from around the nation, BET officials said. She will receive a $2,500 grant and free VCR equipment to use in her classrooms.

As part of her winning lesson plan, Patton had her students write and produce a public-service announcement entitled “Stay in School,” which airs periodically on United Artists Cable.

“She brings a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to the classroom,” said Sheri Rubin, spokeswoman for United Artists Cable Corp., which has an office in Van Nuys. “Her students look forward to coming to school every day.”

The company provides free service to about 60 area schools, including colleges, Rubin said. United Artists encourages schools to use cable television programming to supplement course materials.