Swanson Traditional School’s Matthew Serge recognized as “Amazing Teacher of the Month”

Swanson Traditional School’s Matthew Serge recognized as “Amazing Teacher of the Month”
Posted on 01/12/2021
Matthew Serge

Serge’s nomination qualifies him for national recognition and award worth $20K as “National Amazing Teacher of the Year”

Matt Serge, a third-grade teacher at Swanson Traditional School, was recently recognized as December’s “Amazing Teacher of the Month” by the South Bend Tribune, Ivy Tech Community College, and Gannett Media. Nominations for the award are submitted anonymously by community members within South Bend.

Serge received a prize of $5,000 and won another $5,000 for Swanson Traditional School, where he has been employed for one year.

The award, in its first year in South Bend, is presented monthly to educators in Michiana. This is the first year that The South Bend Tribune and Ivy Tech Community College have been its sponsors.

Serge’s nomination was followed by an interview with a panel comprised of Gannett Media’s promotional team. The recipient is determined based on the overall impact of the nomination and the teacher’s contribution to the profession and community. His award was announced in The South Bend Tribune along with a Q&A.

“Mr. Serge is truly innovative in his approach to eLearning, and we are thrilled that he’s earned this well-deserved recognition,” said Swanson Traditional School’s Principal Amy Troyer. “This year has been a tremendous challenge for all educators, and for him to persevere and provide his students with so much guidance and support has been remarkable. Our entire community here at Swanson is inspired by his commitment.”

A portion of the proceeds from the award’s sponsorship from Ivy Tech is used to fund a national cash prize for educators and their schools. The national prize grants the selected educator an additional $10,000 for their own use and another $10,000 for their school. The selection of the national award winner will be announced in June.

“Ivy Tech Community College is proud to be part of a program that honors exemplary teachers and schools, especially in our current challenging environment. Our teachers and schools have adapted and have transformed education delivery during the pandemic,” said Ivy Tech Community College’s South Bend – Elkhart campus Chancellor, David Balkin. “We hope to continue to shine a light on those who work so hard to provide outstanding educational services for children in the South Bend-Elkhart region and throughout Indiana.”

Contact: Monica Leyes, Assistant Director of Communications, [email protected], 574-850-4760