Matt Egleston

Tell us why you became a teacher

I'd been working in live music for the better part of 25 years, then I did some thinking... What POSITIVE impact do I have on those around me? What can I do to make the world better? Kids are our future, their supports are limited at times. WE CAN make a positive impact on the future by supporting the ones that need it most. THAT is my mission.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A student of mine struggles with math, hand over fist. She shuts down, ALL kinds of negative self talk, she "just CAN'T DO IT!!" We had a math unit checkpoint and, man, she was sweating. She sat down, took a DEEP breath and looked over at me. I gave her a thumbs up and she nodded. Fifteen minutes later, she came up to me, crying. She got a 100%, her first EVER. I sent a picture of her holding the score home to mom and we all had a good, teary hoot and holler session. She COULD do it. ;)

What would you do with the $25,000?

Ok... so. First, I'd take a small chunk for my grad school loans... then, I'd hit the local fidget store and LOAD UP for my kiddos, leading up to a pizza/ice cream party for my class and my teaching partner's class-- then, not going to lie, I'd split to the beach a few days... you know, we ALL need some self care!