TSA's Matos named Air Force Association's Swamp Fox Chapter Teacher of the Year

SUBMITTED

Michele Matos, a teacher at Thomas Sumter Academy, Dalzell, was unanimously named the 2020 Air Force Association's Swamp Fox Chapter Teacher of the Year.

As part of AFA's mission to encourage aerospace education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields, the TOY program ensures America's aerospace excellence by supporting teachers who carry out this mission in the classroom.

Matos studied business at Clemson University and has been an outstanding educator for more than two years. She recently moved to the Sumter area from New Mexico with her active-duty United States Air Force spouse. Matos has a strong background in STEM and teaches textbook-free science at Thomas Sumter Academy.

Dr. F.L. Martin III, head of Thomas Sumter Academy, penned, "Although Mrs. Matos has been here for less than a year, she has had a tremendous impact on our middle school students through her hands-on collaborative learning approach. She has effectively integrated technology in the classroom as well as ensuring her students are engaged through using the STEM concept of learning, enhancing student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking skills."

She was provided a new STEM lab upon arrival and was challenged with the mission to achieve the South Carolina Independent School Association's STEM certification for Thomas Sumter. Not only did she accomplish it, but Thomas Sumter was also the first SCISA STEM-certified school in the state for its elementary school grades.

Matos also has a passion for sports. She was handpicked as the 2019-20 assistant junior varsity and varsity basketball coach. She led the junior varsity team to winning the regional championship and the varsity to the state playoffs. Next year, she will coach the girls' volleyball team as well.

This selection earned her a total of $500 and other rewards from the local chapter and the National Air Force Association in Washington, D.C.

For more information on the local chapter, email Cheryl Moye at sc.298.swampfox@afa or visit www.afa.org.