Local educator awarded “Teacher Who Makes A Difference”

A local teacher was brought to tears Thursday afternoon when the 47 ABC news crew surprised her with a “Teacher Who Makes A Difference” award.

Marlene Mathews is the latest recipient of the award supported by 47 ABC and Accurate Optical.

Ms. Mathews teaches over U.S. history to 170 eighth graders at W.T. Chipman Middle School in Harrington. She has nearly 18 years of teaching experience and has taught at W.T. Chipman for over ten years.

Along with teaching, Mathews also serves as an adviser for the student council.

She says challenging the students to perform their best is one of the most rewarding parts of them job.

“I’m tough on them.” Says Mathews. “My expectations are up here for them. They meet them, most of time, they do. I’ve had students come back, even college come back and say, you made a difference.”

If you would like to nominate a teacher, be sure to visit our “contests” section on 47abc.com.