Not one—but two Niskayuna Central School District teachers have been named WNYT Educators of the Week. Dan Matthews is a second-grade teacher at Rosendale Elementary School, while Chris Pierson teaches English at neighboring Iroquois Middle School.

Dan Matthews encourages lifelong learning
He’s not sure how they did it, but his entire second-grade class nominated teacher Dan Matthews for an Educator of the Week.
“I guess it must be unusual because (education reporter) Elaine Houston asked me about my reaction when I found out,” Matthews said.
Matthews has been teaching in Niskayuna elementary schools for the past 13 years. “I taught kindergarten at Craig School, then followed my students up to first grade,” he said. “I was moved to Rosendale where I started in the first grade, then jumped to fifth for a year before returning to first.” This year, Matthews teaches the second grade to the same students he taught last year in first grade.
Education runs in the Matthews family. “My parents and many of my aunts were teachers and I am sure that influenced me,” he said. His many years as a swim coach only strengthened his desire to teach. “I decided that I really enjoyed teaching kids. I like to develop creativity and motivate kids to do their best,” he said. “I still love to learn, so I try to model and develop lifelong learners.”
View the Educator of the Week segment featuring Dan Matthews that aired Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Chris Pierson makes connections with students
Four middle school students e-mailed News Channel 13 to nominate teacher Chris Pierson for Educator of the Week. “I nominated Mr. Pierson because he’s a great teacher. He makes learning fun,” said sixth-grader Ryan Zeiser. Zeiser and his classmates recently finished reading the book “Crash” by Jerry Spinelli, but instead of assigning his students a written report, Pierson asked his students to write their own scripts based on the book, which will be videotaped and made into a movie. Zeiser said another reason he nominated Mr. Pierson is because of the connections the English teacher makes with his students. “At recess, Mr. Pierson plays kickball with us outside during his lunch hour,” Zeiser said.
Pierson received the support of seventh-grade students, Andrew Sail and Molly Ryan, as well as sixth-grade Lou Bianchi-Breakell. View the Educator of the Week segment featuring Pierson that was broadcast on January 9.

(December 2007)