A Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) teacher known for her mentoring, cooperative spirit, and leadership skills at Nesbit Elementary, has been selected for the “2008-09 Distinguished Clinician in Teacher Education Award.” Ms. Cassandra Matthews, a teacher mentor at Nesbit Elementary, is the recipient of the annual award sponsored by the Association of Teacher Educators, Georgia Unit. The recognition honors school-based educators who excel in teaching and mentoring.

Part of the Nesbit Elementary team for seven years first as a classroom teacher and the last five years as a teacher mentor, Ms. Matthews is described by the Nesbit Elementary administrative team as someone that can be found assisting teachers by modeling effective teaching strategies and helping them implement effective classroom management techniques. Ms. Matthews also uses her exemplary coaching and leadership skills to assist and make recommendations.

The Nesbit Elementary Teacher of the Year (TOTY) in 2004, Ms. Matthews will be honored by the Georgia Association of Teacher Educators (GATE) at an awards luncheon scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2008, at the Clarion Hotel - Atlanta Airport in College Park.