Matthew White	Amy Hubbs
Countryside, 3rd Grade Teacher	Fleetwood, Art Teacher
Melissa Winkel	Dawn Evans
Hillside, 3rd  Grade Teacher	Larchmont, 2nd Grade Teacher
Jessica Burch	Jessica Mannino
Parkway, Special Education Teacher	Springville, Kindergarten Teacher
Renee Billingsley	Kristy Curtis
Hartford, 6th Grade Math/Science Teacher	Harrington, Social Studies Teacher

Countryside Elementary School

Matthew White

Mr. Matthew White is an exceptionally skilled, dedicated, and compassionate educator whose impact is felt not only in the classroom but throughout the entire Countryside school community. Families consistently speak to his remarkable communication and deep care for students. Every Monday, Mr. White sends clear, detailed updates outlining the learning ahead, and each Friday he follows up with thoughtful recaps celebrating what students accomplished during the week. This consistent communication ensures parents know exactly what their children are learning and empowers them to reinforce and extend that learning at home. Mr. White’s guidance and recommendations encouraging reading, reducing screen time, and spending more time outdoors shows his commitment to supporting students’ well-being as whole children, far beyond academics.

In the classroom, Mr. White inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn and grow. Parents describe him as a strong, positive influence who teaches children to be brave, respectful, and confident in themselves. One family shared how his calming presence and team-centered mindset transformed their child’s entire school experience. Another family shared that every day their son would come home proudly saying, “Mr. White said” followed by some advice given by the teacher. This is a reflection of the trust, admiration, and inspiration he instills. Through yoga breaks, structured Chromebook time, and a focus on independence and teamwork, Mr. White cultivates a learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated. His classroom is more than a learning space; it is a community built on compassion, purpose, and shared responsibility.

Beyond his classroom, Mr. White demonstrates outstanding leadership skills. Although Mr. White has several years of experience in another district, he is a newer member of the Countryside family. Mr. White quickly became a respected member of the staff with a natural ability to lead. He runs both the Leadership and Basketball clubs, providing students with meaningful moments to strengthen their confidence, character, and connection to school. He serves as a committed member of the I&RS team and actively engages in all professional development opportunities, always seeking to expand his practice and contribute to school-wide growth.

The admiration he receives from students, parents, colleagues, and administrators is a testament to the consistency of his leadership and the authenticity of his care. Families express deep gratitude for the way he loves, supports, and advocates for their children. His colleagues describe him as a natural leader who is collaborative, reliable, and always willing to step up for the benefit of the school community.

For these reasons, and countless daily acts that reflect his passion and integrity, Mr. White wholeheartedly embodies the qualities of Countryside’s Governor’s Educator of the Year. He is a role model, a mentor, and a champion for students. His impact will be felt long after his students leave his classroom.

Mrs. Melissa Winkel has been part of the Hillside family since September 2003. Over the years, she has taught fourth grade, second grade, and now third grade, where she continues to make a tremendous impact. Before joining Mount Laurel, she spent eight years teaching in the Plumsted Township School District, bringing strong experience and a genuine love for teaching that has only grown over time.

What stands out most about Mrs. Winkel is how deeply she cares for her students. Families often express their appreciation for the time she takes to truly understand each child, not just their struggles, but also the reasons behind them. She collaborates closely with parents, helping them navigate challenges and celebrating their children’s progress along the way. For many students, her support has positively influenced their academic journeys in lasting ways.

Her classroom is a warm and safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and making mistakes. She teaches her students that challenges are a natural part of learning, and she does so with patience, empathy, and encouragement. Mrs. Winkel is always eager to learn new strategies and programs to better support her students, maintaining open communication with families so that everyone feels connected.

Mrs. Winkel is also recognized for going above and beyond outside of academics. She ensured that one of her students remained connected to the class while receiving care at CHOP, and she attends class-organized events outside of school because she understands how much it means to her students. These gestures reflect her belief in seeing and valuing every child as a whole person.

Her commitment extends beyond her classroom. Mrs. Winkel is a supportive member of the third-grade team. She collaborates with her colleagues, shares resources and ideas freely, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her steady presence and thoughtful approach make her a trusted teammate, contributing to a positive and cohesive team that deeply cares about their students.

Caring, collaborative, creative, and committed, Mrs. Winkel embodies everything we hope for in a teacher. After more than two decades of helping students thrive with confidence and joy at Hillside, her impact is felt by students, families, and colleagues every single day.