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Award Notification:  Matthew Harvey (CA '15)

Math Teacher Matt Harvey Wins CA Milken Educator Award

When asked what makes Matt Harvey, math teacher at CORE Butte High School in Chico, California, an outstanding educator, colleagues and administrators are quick to praise his passion for teaching and absolute dedication to his students. "Matt is all about building confidence and capacity in the students here," said California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson at the surprise notification where Harvey received a California 2015-16 Milken Educator Award. "The kids love him, and he loves his work with those kids."

Harvey joined CORE Butte High School only a year ago, but he's already had a big impact. For the first time, the school is running two sections of Math 3, and both are filled to capacity. Harvey taught previously at Princeton Junior-Senior High in Princeton, California, where he was credited with raising API scores from 687 to 800, taking the school from one of the lowest performers in the area to one of the highest.

Harvey works with other departments to integrate math into English, history, health and science lessons. And he's got an eye on his students' future: Harvey is working with Butte Community College to set up the school’s Medical Sciences CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathway.

Harvey was thrilled to receive the Milken Educator Award, but he made it clear as he accepted the Award that his students remain his priority. "It feels great to be recognized, but know that it's because of you guys," he told the students. "That's why I come here every day. That's why I do what I do."