Chemistry Teacher Named Top Educator At Cinnaminson High School

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Matthew Perekupka’s father was a teacher at Cinnaminson High School. In fact, both his parents were teachers, and Perekupka majored in chemistry in college. So it’s no surprise where Perekupka ended up, and that he’s excelling at it.

Perekupka, a chemistry teacher at Cinnaminson High School, is one of the district's Governor's Educator of the Year and the Educational Services Professional award recipients. The program "highlights educational innovation, student achievement, the rewards of teaching, and important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success," according to the state's website.

“It’s such an honor,” Perekupka said. “I enjoy and love my work, and to know that I made an impact is something I can be very proud of.”

He loves it so much, he’s considering a return to school to get his master’s degree, with the goal of someday becoming the principal of a school. In his 15th year teaching at the school, he loves the administration that’s currently in place.

“They’re very supportive and receptive to new ideas,” Perekupka said.

New ideas and innovation is part of Perekupka’s curriculum. He likes for his students to learn in a hands-on environment, and it’s not just the typical science lab activities. He teaches his students how to do podcasts and make YouTube videos and channels. Students can bring their own smart phones and Chromebooks to school.

“They love it. They’re more engaged when you embrace the technology they have.”

In addition to his role as a chemistry teacher, he is also the high school girls tennis team coach and a student council advisor.

Each school in the district has a Teacher of the Year award winner. They will all attend a countywide recognition event in the spring, and will be honored at the May 12 Cinnaminson Board of Education meeting. Read more here: Cinnaminson Schools Announce Educators Of The Year

Next, each county will select a teacher of the year, with a state teacher of the year being named in the fall. Last year, Haddonfield's Kimberly Dickstein was named the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.

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