Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Kari Matthews, an exceptional education teacher at East Ridge High School. Ms. Matthews was nominated for her passion of understanding and caring for her students.
“Ms. Matthews always goes beyond for her students. She understands them and genuinely cares,” said Cynthia Scanlon, one of Ms. Matthews colleagues. “Her children love and respect her and appreciate all she does.”
In addition to being an exceptional education teacher, Ms. Matthews also serves as the Department Chair for her department. This is her 21st year at East Ridge High School. Ms. Matthews considers East Ridge her home and could not imagine teaching anywhere else. Due to COVID-19, Ms. Matthews has faced challenges with teaching her students in a virtual setting.
“COVID restrictions have obviously created challenges however, students have been resilient with the changes. Class Link has been helpful for students so they can access all of the possible links in one area. Zoom has become a new normal for us. It assists with IEP meetings, providing services, and classroom accommodations for ex-ed students,” said Ms. Matthews. “Our reg-ed staff has also been wonderful to include us in their lessons and collaborate to provide the services our students need.”
Ms. Matthews adds, “It is an honor to be nominated. Mrs. Scanlon and I worked together diligently to make sure her grandson was successful in school. I am proud to say her grandson improved greatly and has shown great success.”
“My kids are my favorite part of my job,” said Ms. Matthews. “My students can make me smile when no one else can. They brighten my day. They are the reason I show up every day and give my absolute best effort. When they succeed, it makes me so happy. The smallest accomplishments can be so huge. I do look forward to being back with my kids.”
The efforts of our teachers and staff are truly heroic, and we are proud to have people like Ms. Matthews on our team to support our students!
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