Middle School Teachers Earn Accolades

Middle School teachers at University School of Milwaukee have earned recent accolades in their fields. Congratulations to the below individuals:

Nicola De Torre

Nicola De Torre, 8th grade science teacher and robotics coach, has earned the Coach’s Award at the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge sectional competition in December 2024. This is the second time this school year she has won the award, having previously earned it at the FLL Challenge regional competition in November 2024.

Michael Matera

Michael Matera, an accomplished 6th grade history teacher and renowned leader in innovative education, was the keynote speaker at GiftEd, a prestigious conference dedicated to educators serving gifted and talented students, held in San Antonio, Texas. Addressing an audience of over 1,300 educators, Matera captivated attendees with his inspiring keynote, “How an Adventurous Spirit Leads to Greatness.”

Matera's expertise didn't stop there. His breakout sessions drew standing-room-only crowds of over 500 participants, eager to learn from his dynamic presentations on cutting-edge topics such as Unlocking Memory: Brain Science and Classroom Strategies, Student-Centered for Student Success, and Immersive Learning. Known for seamlessly blending groundbreaking research with practical strategies, Matera's workshops equipped educators with transformative tools to elevate their classrooms and ignite a passion for learning.

Widely regarded as a thought leader in education, Matera continues to shape the future of teaching and learning with his evidence-based, engaging approaches that empower both educators and students to reach new heights.

Kari Young

Kari Young earned her National Board Teaching Certification in Physical Education, making her one of just 16 physical education teachers, and part of the 2.79% of total teachers in the state of Wisconsin, with this prestigious certification. To achieve the certification, a teacher must complete a rigorous process involving four components: a computer-based content knowledge assessment; three portfolio entries demonstrating their teaching practice through differentiation in instruction; student work samples; video recordings of classroom interactions; and reflections on their teaching philosophy and effectiveness. All components must showcase their deep understanding of PE content and ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners. A minimum of three years of teaching experience is required to be eligible for the certification.