The Antelope Valley Times

Your community. Your issues. Your news.

Anderson recognized as ‘Gateway Teacher of The Year’

by •

Matthew Anderson (second from left) pictured with his students at the Project Lead The Way California State Conference in Sacramento, where Anderson received the award. Elizabeth Anderson (far right) is also pictured. [Contributed]
Matthew Anderson (second from left) pictured with his students at the Project Lead The Way California State Conference in Sacramento, where Anderson received the award. Elizabeth Anderson (far right) is also pictured. [Contributed]
QUARTZ HILL – For students at Joe Walker Middle School, teacher Matthew Anderson is not just a mentor but also a companion, who helps them succeed in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Anderson was presented recently with Project Lead The Way’s Gateway Teacher of Year award, due to his hard work and dedication at Joe Walker.

Project Lead The Way is the nation’s leader in K-12 STEM education programs. Each year the annual California State Conference recognizes three educators in the state of California.

The Gateway Teacher of the Year award is presented to an educator that teaches middle school students engineering and biomedical science.

“I appreciate the commitment my students have dedicated over the years, because without them I wouldn’t have received this award,” stated Anderson.

In 2013, Anderson promised his robotics students that if they were invited back to the VEX World Championships, he would temporarily dye his hair and beard. The team achieved the accomplishment and Anderson made good on his promise. Read more here.
In 2013, Anderson promised his robotics students that if they were invited back to the VEX World Championships, he would temporarily dye his hair and beard. The team achieved the accomplishment and Anderson made good on his promise. Read more here.

Anderson’s innovative approach to teaching includes bringing the community together to provide students with a distinguished program. Through community contributions, Anderson was able to put together a state-of-the-art 3-D printing lab and the award-winning VEX Robotics Team.

Additionally, Anderson teaches faculty members STEM programs to implement in other schools.

“Matt has put together a cutting-edge program at Joe Walker through the Gateway program,” said Westside Union School District Superintendent Regina Rossall. “Thanks to Matt’s accomplishments, Joe Walker’s students will continue to succeed.”

Anderson is helping organize Joe Walker’s Community Open House, slated for March 19, which will showcase student projects and honor community members’ contributions to the STEALTH Academy.

–

Filed Under: Education