Nearly 20 years ago, Marina Matzner was one of a just a handful of kindergarten and first-grade teachers who were instrumental in establishing the dual immersion program at Nestor Language Academy Charter School in the South Bay Union School District in California. Today, thanks in large part to her trailblazing efforts, the school’s program has grown to 35 teachers in grades K-8.

“Marina had an amazing ability to scaffold instruction,” said Nenette Adelson-Rodriguez, director of the San Diego County Office of Education’s English Learner and Support Services Unit. “She taught with her hands, her body, her soul and lots of patience.” Read more here.