North Posey Business Teacher, Matthew Winegar wins Teacher of the Year Award

VERNON, Ind.(April 25, 2023) – Today, Matthew Winegar, Business teacher at North Posey Junior High School was honored as Posey County Teacher of the Year. The award was presented at the 2023 Posey County State of the Schools event.

The annual award is given to an outstanding Posey County classroom teacher or administrator who is a dedicated and skilled leader, inspires students, demonstrates leadership, and has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.

A 2001 graduate of North Posey, Matthew Winegar served 10 years in the Navy before returning to Southwest Indiana to raise his 3 children. He earned a master’s degree in business administration and worked in healthcare management for 10 years before leaving the industry for one that fulfilled him personally – teaching. After earning his teaching license, Winegar applied at his Alma Mater and was hired as the Business teacher.

“All that purpose and fulfillment that I was searching for, I have found in teaching and coaching and in doing my part to help my students to reach their goals and their potential in whatever way I can,” said Posey County Teacher of the Year, Matthew Winegar.

Nominated by multiple colleagues and peers, Mr. Winegar’s nominators mentioned how highly involved he is outside the classroom and how he’s “always available to any student who wants to talk.” Outside the Business classroom, Mr. Winegar coaches Junior High Football, Junior High Track and Field, and the High School Speech Team. He is also a member of the STEM Committee and leads several of the projects.

Upon receiving the Teacher of the Year Award at the Posey County State of Schools, Winegar thanked North Posey High School Principal Sean Fisher and North Posey Junior High Principal Steve Kavanaugh for being the first people to give him an opportunity in the noble profession of teaching.

Winegar added, “This award means so much to me. While serving in the Navy I was awarded ten medals and this award means just as much to me as any of those. When I was told I was selected as the Teacher of the Year, I was honestly at a loss for words, which is rare for me as the speech coach.   I am so honored because I know just how many phenomenal teachers we have in this county and how much effort we all put into preparing our students for the next phase of their lives.”