Testimonials
Don't take my word for it! Instead, read testimonials from colleagues, students, and peers.
Peter Jana - Mentor and Humanities Teacher
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Dr. Heather Lattimer - Professor of Education, Executive Director Jacobs Institute for Innovation and Education
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Dr. Sofia Tannenhaus - Teaching Partner and Spanish Teacher
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Jamie Senescall - Colleague and Inclusion Specialist
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Student Testimonials
Matt really wants you to do your best. He doesn't give in easy. If he thinks you can do a better job, he won't settle with the work you've turned in. He's definitely made me realize I'm really smart and capable of anything that may seem difficult in the beginning, as long as I communicate my struggles and work at it. It's a really good attribute in someone if they can bring out the intelligence in you, that you don't even realize you have. - Tessa
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Matt is a very kind, loving person. He will do anything for his students and treats every single one of us the way I know he treats his kids. He pushes us to accomplish goals we've set for ourselves, encourages us to go past our limits, is very kind to us, makes strong relationships with us and gets to know our outside school lives. - Kai
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Please never stop teaching.
1. You are empathetic and willing to listen. 2. You are approachable and easy to locate when we need help. 3. Your assignments are easy to understand. Deadlines are clear. We almost always had enough time to complete our assignments, but not so much time that we were bored. 4. That was as much as I can distill into English words. This job just suits you and you're very good at it. It doesn't hurt that you're an enjoyable person to be around. - Kyna |
Matt's strengths are his compassion, knowing how much to challenge students, providing engaging work, covering all different aspects of Humanities, his high level of enthusiasm, allowing students to have creative expression, and making a fun yet productive environment.
We always had just enough time to do assignments, and I often felt under pressure (but not in a negative way) in Matt's class. I think that Matt didn't underestimate our skills, therefore pushing us to produce beautiful work even in very tight time crunches. Every time you could tell I was freaking out, you would come over and ask me if I was okay, even though some of the time I was probably overreacting. For me it made a big difference because I often choose not to speak out to my teachers if I feel something is unfair or wrong. But this semester, I think you made your class a safe space where I felt comfortable talking to you about being stressed among other things. A lot of students in our class really struggle and I can tell you do your very best to get them motivated and engaged in the project, I appreciate that about you! - Katelynn |
Matt is honestly strong in every area I feel. Whenever I have approached Matt I have always left knowing something new. I definitely think Matt always gets the point across and overall is a great teacher - Nolan
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Matt provided a safe and comfortable environment. He really got to know the students and always spoke to them as if they were long time friends. From this, students became really comfortable in his class and weren't afraid to share anything. - Lindsey
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Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. Since I've known you, you were always there for me and looked out for me and I really appreciate it. You're an amazing teacher and the best advisor anyone could ask for! am so grateful to have you in my life - Isabelle
Parent Testimonials
Hello Matt,
First off I'm not one for writing reviews, comments or accommodations like EVER. I guess I'm just to busy with work kids and life in general. But I had to make time today. So here goes....
Well, Its been quite the hit or miss with our son this year hasn't it. Despite all that, this email is not about him but rather about you. We just wanted to commend you on what an amazing teacher, educator and all around good hearted human being you are. You really care about these kids. You dig deeper to learn about their struggles and learning habits. But more importantly, you're genuinely interested in the person, not just the student.
You see who they are, what makes them tick, what makes them happy etc. You ask the hard questions that no one has time for. You want to know how they operate both in school and out. Your delivery is an impeccable skill that not everyone has. It comes very naturally for you. We've seen our son being on the defensive side or uninvolved and passive. But learning with you, he was much more engaged and truly open to your suggestions. You definitely had an impact on how he deals with things that just don't go his way sometimes. Since our SLC we've all noticed a change in him.
Now, rather than getting upset or giving up (because the hole he dug got too deep to climb out of, so why try.) He actually thinks about it. Accepts the hand he's been dealt. Then rationally prepares what he is going to do or say next. We can see the wheels turning in his head. He's honestly good with that approach. It definitely gives him the confidence that "Hey if it doesn't work out this way, I can resolve it another way." whatever the case may be. We can see that he is committed to applying this to... goals, school, relationships and simply through life in general. Sure on occasion, he may forget this simple lesson as we all do sometimes, but then he will remember. Stop, breathe, think, ok move forward.
Although as parents we have been telling him this for years. It only stuck when it came from you. YOU DID THIS. You were in our opinion, the only teacher this year that really went the extra mile to dig deeper into the way he works. Then redirected him to an alternate way of positive and critical thinking. In relation to life, not just school. In turn, he's on the path to becoming the best version of himself that he can be. Sure there will be many lessons and obstacles ahead. But now he has the skills to be better prepared. So for this portion, you get the gold star. You should be really proud of yourself. Kudos to you Matt.
Thank you for impacting his life with positive suggestion.
Heidi & Manny
First off I'm not one for writing reviews, comments or accommodations like EVER. I guess I'm just to busy with work kids and life in general. But I had to make time today. So here goes....
Well, Its been quite the hit or miss with our son this year hasn't it. Despite all that, this email is not about him but rather about you. We just wanted to commend you on what an amazing teacher, educator and all around good hearted human being you are. You really care about these kids. You dig deeper to learn about their struggles and learning habits. But more importantly, you're genuinely interested in the person, not just the student.
You see who they are, what makes them tick, what makes them happy etc. You ask the hard questions that no one has time for. You want to know how they operate both in school and out. Your delivery is an impeccable skill that not everyone has. It comes very naturally for you. We've seen our son being on the defensive side or uninvolved and passive. But learning with you, he was much more engaged and truly open to your suggestions. You definitely had an impact on how he deals with things that just don't go his way sometimes. Since our SLC we've all noticed a change in him.
Now, rather than getting upset or giving up (because the hole he dug got too deep to climb out of, so why try.) He actually thinks about it. Accepts the hand he's been dealt. Then rationally prepares what he is going to do or say next. We can see the wheels turning in his head. He's honestly good with that approach. It definitely gives him the confidence that "Hey if it doesn't work out this way, I can resolve it another way." whatever the case may be. We can see that he is committed to applying this to... goals, school, relationships and simply through life in general. Sure on occasion, he may forget this simple lesson as we all do sometimes, but then he will remember. Stop, breathe, think, ok move forward.
Although as parents we have been telling him this for years. It only stuck when it came from you. YOU DID THIS. You were in our opinion, the only teacher this year that really went the extra mile to dig deeper into the way he works. Then redirected him to an alternate way of positive and critical thinking. In relation to life, not just school. In turn, he's on the path to becoming the best version of himself that he can be. Sure there will be many lessons and obstacles ahead. But now he has the skills to be better prepared. So for this portion, you get the gold star. You should be really proud of yourself. Kudos to you Matt.
Thank you for impacting his life with positive suggestion.
Heidi & Manny