Help support Mr. Matt's Classroom

My students are tough. They are also generous, kind, and ready to contribute when they know their effort matters. One student walked up to me in class and offered me a gummy worm. “Since you always share with us,” he said. Small moments like that tell you a lot about my classroom. I teach Computer Science, including programming and game design. I want students to have meaningful choices, challenging work, and room to make mistakes. Designing their own games gives them opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, and turn an idea into something they can share. Many of my students are slow to trust and quick to question a promise. I have to show up and follow through. They have also taught me to question my own assumptions. An absence or an unfinished assignment can have a story behind it that I don’t know. Students deserve support without having to share their hardest experiences to earn it. Dignity is the baseline in my classroom. Early in the year, a student asked, “What should I call you?” I suggested “Mr. Matt” and told him I would call him “Mr.” followed by his first name. Respect goes both ways. That same belief guides the Speech and Debate team I sponsor. When I told students they could post and comment in our Google Classroom without my approval, they were skeptical. They tested it. Right afterward, one student started making a PowerPoint for her teammates. The team later extended our weekly meetings from one hour to three hours. I’ve told them that they are the leaders. “My job is to knock anything out of your way.” I’m now exploring a fundraiser dance they would help plan—a chance to support their team and create a celebration for their classmates. Belonging also takes everyday care. I send home notes of encouragement, share snacks when I have them, and keep replenishing games and supplies. A travel version of Guess Who? went home with a student the day I bought it after he told me he had no games at home and really wanted it. I want my students to experience what mattered to me in high school: being trusted, being challenged, and having something worth showing up for. Building that kind of classroom takes time. I don’t mind giving it. Sharing this experience with my students rewards me every day.

About my class

My students are tough. They are also generous, kind, and ready to contribute when they know their effort matters. One student walked up to me in class and offered me a gummy worm. “Since you always share with us,” he said. Small moments like that tell you a lot about my classroom. I teach Computer Science, including programming and game design. I want students to have meaningful choices, challenging work, and room to make mistakes. Designing their own games gives them opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, and turn an idea into something they can share. Many of my students are slow to trust and quick to question a promise. I have to show up and follow through. They have also taught me to question my own assumptions. An absence or an unfinished assignment can have a story behind it that I don’t know. Students deserve support without having to share their hardest experiences to earn it. Dignity is the baseline in my classroom. Early in the year, a student asked, “What should I call you?” I suggested “Mr. Matt” and told him I would call him “Mr.” followed by his first name. Respect goes both ways. That same belief guides the Speech and Debate team I sponsor. When I told students they could post and comment in our Google Classroom without my approval, they were skeptical. They tested it. Right afterward, one student started making a PowerPoint for her teammates. The team later extended our weekly meetings from one hour to three hours. I’ve told them that they are the leaders. “My job is to knock anything out of your way.” I’m now exploring a fundraiser dance they would help plan—a chance to support their team and create a celebration for their classmates. Belonging also takes everyday care. I send home notes of encouragement, share snacks when I have them, and keep replenishing games and supplies. A travel version of Guess Who? went home with a student the day I bought it after he told me he had no games at home and really wanted it. I want my students to experience what mattered to me in high school: being trusted, being challenged, and having something worth showing up for. Building that kind of classroom takes time. I don’t mind giving it. Sharing this experience with my students rewards me every day.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mr. Matt's Classroom Edit display name

Support his classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mr. Matt's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mr. Matt's Classroom Edit display name

Support his classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mr. Matt's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.