Yale University Announces Recipients of the 2016 Yale Educator Award

New Haven, Conn. — Dr. Matt Shields of Charlottesville High School has been recognized by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a recipient of the 2016 Yale Educator Award.

The Yale Educator Recognition Program recognizes outstanding educators from around the world who support and inspire their students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence. Of this year’s 326 nominees, who represent 33 states and 24 countries, 55 teachers and 28 counselors were selected to receive the award. Matriculating students are invited to nominate high school educators, and a committee of Yale admissions officers reviews each nomination individually and designates recipients.

The Yale Admissions Office attributes the exceptional quality of the Yale student body — 60 percent of which comes from public schools — to educators like these recipients of the 2016 Yale Educator Award, who shape their students long before they attend Yale. The Admissions Office is proud to thank these and all educators for their ongoing efforts in motivating and supporting their students.

Dr. Shields teaches engineering at CHS and is adviser to the school’s internationally decorated science club, BACON (Best All-around Club of Nerds). In 2014, Shields also won the MIT Inspirational Teacher Award. For the Yale award, Shields was nominated by 2016 graduate Chris Hays, who now attends Yale.