Cherise Matthews

Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to help student better understand Mathematics, because as teenager I struggled with it. I did not have a supportive math teacher every year in high school and had to take a lot of time trying to figure out concepts on my own. This was before internet was easily accessible to everyone from home. I used homework help lines and people I know to make it through. I wanted to be that person for students who needed that extra help.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I recently this past year was approached by a grown man, who asked if I remember him from years ago and he addressed me as Ms. Matthews. I knew exactly who he was because he was one of the students I had from my first years of teaching. He was dropping off his daughter who is in the 6th grade and he told her I was the best math teacher he ever had. I never knew that because I just did my job and my best for all my students, then hope their lives would be great. It was heartfelt to see him.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have to admit I am in serious debt and I would use it to pay down my bills. So, that I will feel less panicked and stressed from state testing scores deciding whether I am a good teacher or not.