As teachers our job is to motivate, encourage, and drive students in academics and life skills so they are able to achieve their best. We want them to develop a growth mindset, so they know that when they leave us they will continue to be lifelong learners and can accomplish their goals. Winning this award validates all the hard work we put in as teachers, administrators, parents, and students.

Elizabeth Matthews Gallatin Gateway, MT | K-6, Science, 2012

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Elizabeth Matthews has been a teacher at Gallatin Gateway School. She has taught science, mathematics, title mathematics, elective science, and health to students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. She develops innovative, fun, and unique ways to help her students learn, while concurrently differentiating her instructional practices to meet their needs. An educator for 7 years, Elizabeth has a passion and desire to share her love for science and mathematics that continue to grow. In addition to her teaching duties, Elizabeth is the Science Olympiad Coach and co-coordinator for the Gator Math Bowl. Each year, she takes the sixth grade class to Yellowstone National Park for a week of hands-on science and technology learning in an outdoor environment. She is the district’s science specialist for curriculum development; the instructional coach in mathematics; and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics leader for the school.  She teaches Emergency First Responder classes. Elizabeth is currently working on a research-based grant investigating the gains in student progress as a result of mathematics coaching for teachers. Elizabeth has a B.S. in broadfield science secondary education with minors in mathematics and chemistry from Montana State University and is currently working on an M.S. in educational leadership from Montana State University.

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