Marguerite Matta, a special education teacher at Stonewall Jackson Middle School (SJMS), has been selected as the 2020 beginning teacher of the year.
Matta has been employed with Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) since August of 2019. She received her bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College.
Matta said, “I am overjoyed and wonderfully surprised to receive the honor of beginning teacher of the year. The thoughtfulness and support of the HCPS community through the celebratory parade today exemplified the amazing support system at SJMS that has allowed me to grow and have a successful first year of teaching! I am so thankful to be a part of the HCPS community!”
“Ms. Matta is well deserving of the honor as Hanover County’s beginning teacher of the year. She has done an extraordinary job as a first year teacher at SJMS, developing authentic relationships with students and being responsive to their academic and social-emotional needs. Her enthusiasm and excitement for educating students with diverse learning needs are refreshing and among the many attributes that students adore. She’s a tremendous asset to our faculty and staff, and we’re so fortunate to have her,” said Dr. Quentin Ballard, SJMS principal.
Each year, the division selects one new teacher for this distinguished award who exhibits several qualities such as: being inspirational, poised, articulate, and knowledgeable; exceptionally skilled and dedicated; respected and admired by students, parents, and colleagues; and actively and meaningfully involved in their school and community.