Teacher of the Year Awards Include KIPP Houston Instructor

People magazine honored five diverse teachers from around the nation who do innovative work in reaching and connecting with students. Included among them was Arwen Imai Matthews, a science teacher at KIPP 3D Academy.

Arwen Imai Matthews teaches introductory physics and chemistry to 8th graders at KIPP 3D Academy Middle School in Houston.

Described as a “science magician” by her school principal, Matthews, 31, has sparked a love for science in hundreds of students – many of whom she continues to assist with homework after school and beyond graduation. “Really, everything about Arwen makes her outstanding,” school principal Alison Cumbley says. “We have a legitimate science department, with students doing hands-on labs every day and the best resources available. That’s absolutely because of Arwen and what she’s done to inspire other science teachers.”

(Read the full story at People.com)