Educator of the Week: Angela Mathina

It’s time to recognize this week’s Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Angela Mathina is a fifth grade mathematics teacher at Bradford Elementary School.

She started her career as an educator back in 2020. Despite the events that took place that year, she never lost sight of working her dream job.

“This is the end of my first full year of teaching. It is my second year total, but the first year COVID hit. So I backed away. I didn’t want to do virtual. I love the kids and I love being here in person with them. So I waited until now, and I came back and I’m so glad that I came back. Bradford has been awesome,” she said.

What inspired Mathina to become a teacher was her personal experience with her own teachers growing up.

“My love for learning came from a few teachers that really helped me learn. I’m a cancer survivor from elementary school, and those teachers helping me fill those gaps were just what it took to make me want to help other kiddos that needed help too,” she said.

Mathina’s biggest challenge as an educator is getting everyone on the same page.

“The balance between what kiddos expect and getting them to rise to my expectations, right? Because I know they’ve got this. But sometimes if they think it’s hard, they don’t want to try. I teach them you always have to at least try, always do your best,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Mathina’s favorite part about her job is bonding with her students.

“The connection. I truly love them. There are some of these kids that I’ll never forget. They’ll be with me forever,” she said.

Mathina is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.

To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our weekly award, just email us at [email protected].