Matthew Auclair, a fourth-grade teacher at Hagemann Elementary in the Mehlville School District, has been selected to receive the 2011 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award for his dedication to excellence in the field of education.

Hagemann Principal Scott Andrews, who nominated Auclair for the award, stated in a district news release, “Mr. Auclair brings the highest level of caring and compassion to his classroom and still manages to create an atmosphere of high expectations both academically and behaviorally. He possesses the ability to encourage his students to stretch and grow to their full potential and also manages to facilitate a classroom that is full of fun and positive energy.”

Auclair is honored for going beyond his regular teaching responsibilities to ensure his students’ success. The fourth-grade teacher volunteered to create an after-school tutoring program several years ago when he saw a need for additional instruction time to improve his students’ math skills. Nearly the entire fourth grade engaged in the math tutoring program twice a week for 45 minutes.

“The program was a success, and students’ achievement scores improved dramatically,” Andrews stated. “This program serves as a model for Hagemann’s after-school tutoring program in third, fourth and fifth grades in both communication arts and mathematics. Mr. Auclair is an inspiration to all of us.”

The region’s honorees for this year’s Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards will be recognized during a ceremony and reception this month at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

“I am honored to receive the award. I truly feel that this individual accomplishment is highly reflected on the staff at Hagemann and the team I work with. So my congratulations goes to them,” stated Auclair, who has been teaching at Hagemann for six years. 

Each year, the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program recognizes more than 100 teachers throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area who are examples of excellence in the field of education. For more information about the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program, please visit

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