Kona teacher honored as state’s Teacher of the Year
COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Mathieu Williams, center, receives a free one-year leased Nissan Leaf for being named the 2019 state Teacher of the Year.
The Department of Education named technology and digital media teacher Mathieu Williams of Kona the 2019 Teacher of the Year.
He was the Hawaii District’s pick and one of eight finalists for the top prize. He will travel to Washington D.C. in April when a National Teacher of the Year will be announced.
The 29-year-old Kealakehe Intermediate School teacher has been teaching there for 12 years. Although he graduated with a business degree, he opted to teach for two years with Teach America, and fell in love with the profession.
He has developed an innovative, multilayered learning experience, and has led his students to earn top prizes, including the 15th Annual Student Television Network’s National Convention in Nashville.
Williams was also awarded a one-year lease of a Nissan Leaf.
