Caitlin Mattera '10, an alumna and English teacher at Merion Mercy Academy, received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.
A Merion Mercy educator since 2015, Mattera received a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from Mira Tensuan-Eli '22, the UChicago freshman whom she was nominated by. In response to the recognition, Mattera said, "I feel honored to receive the award and to be recognized for my work by my students. At its best, teaching is a collaborative effort: I love working with students who encourage me to learn more, work harder, and dream bigger. In my eight years at Merion, I've been lucky to work with many thoughtful, engaged students who have made me a better teacher."
An Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways — thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, made a positive impact in their lives, and whose influence has brought them to where they are today.
In a press release, the University of Chicago wrote: "We are honored to recognize excellence in teaching and sincerely congratulate this year’s Outstanding Educator Award winners, who are exceptional in their field and role models for all students. We deeply appreciate the lively minds who thirst for knowledge that these educators have nurtured and inspired. We thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty every day and leaving an impression that will be carried over a lifetime.