SPRINGFIELD — Southeast High School social studies teacher and department chair Andy Volpert recalled years ago walking into a downtown Springfield restaurant with his family and seeing the late District 186 board of education president and educator Mike Zimmers dining with his wife, Nancy.
Zimmers immediately motioned Volpert over to his table.
“He (said to his wife), ‘Honey, I would like you to meet the best social studies teacher in the district, Matt Maton,'” Volpert said.
“Andy and I have laughed about it on a couple of occasions because people have confused the two of us over the years,” said Maton, who is also at Southeast. “That was the most infamous. We both have dark hair and both wear glasses and we’re both middle-aged history teachers.
“Maybe we all just tend to blend in together after a while.”
It turned out Zimmers knew what he was talking about.
Last week, Maton was named the Horace Mann Educator of the Year at a surprise assembly at Southeast, where he teaches U.S. history, human geography and social science.
Maton joked that “everyone who knows me is having fun with me being out of my comfort zone. I was very surprised and humbled and honored (by the award).”
Springfield High School Principal Lisa Leardi was named Administrator of the Year at a separate assembly.
Horace Mann Educators Corporation, headquartered in Springfield, sponsors the awards program and will recognize Maton and Leardi and the finalists, as well as Rising Stars, outstanding teachers with four or fewer years in the district, at a May 5 ceremony.
‘Humbled and honored’
Maton, who is in his 26th year at Southeast after stops at Meredosia-Chambersburg and Morrisonville school districts, said he tries to connect historical events of the past to the present to help students learn.
While students can see the bombing of Iran right before them, “you can’t really understand that if you don’t know 1953,” when the Shah of Iran was installed after the CIA toppled prime minister Mohammad Mosadegh, Maton explained. “That’s 70-plus years of angst as a result of that,” he added.
For years, Maton taught the “Revolution of 1800,” the peaceful transfer of power from President John Adams to President Thomas Jefferson, but “that meant nothing to students (until the U.S. Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021.) Now it does,” he said.
“The relevance part is (what) keeps students engaged, that it’s not just something past and dormant.”
Maton introduces topics using primary source material, videos and even political cartoons.
“We’re studying the Truman Doctrine, so we watched a 10-minute snippet of (President Harry S.) Truman before Congress promoting and trying to get the Truman Doctrine passed,” Maton said. “The key is trying to bring in a diverse array of content and to address the numerous types of learning styles in the classroom.”
Maton said it’s “nonsense that we can’t have discussions about events where we don’t necessarily agree. The classroom is a different vacuum where you’re able to discuss logically and not have to be combative.”
Karmen Goodrich, an English teacher and department chair at Southeast, said working alongside Maton has made her a better teacher.
“You can sit in his classroom and hear the students ask questions and challenge norms because they are interested and comfortable with (him),” Goodrich said. “He is a fun-loving man (who) shares his love for history in a fun environment.”
‘Always a challenge’
Leardi, who is in her 10th year at Springfield High and 29th in the district, said would have never been recognized without a supporting cast around her, including teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries.
“I think a big part for me is the positive environment and that I’m able to bring and maintain that energy and have that fighting spirit where I want to be at work every minute of the day,” Leardi said. “I want to be looking for positive influences and recognizing what students and teachers and other staff are bringing into the building that’s shaping the futures of these kids on their way up and out.”
The idea of molding life-long learners and creating a positive experience for students has always been at the forefront, Leardi said. With ever-present technology, like cellphones, laptops and AI around, “it’s always a challenge, but it’s always been a challenge to motivate students and to help them find their own accountability.
“I am very fortunate with a large group where you can find the purpose, you can find the good spirit and people who want to get things accomplished and students who are there to enjoy their time and give back, as well.”
Leardi was lured into the surprise announcement because someone told her there were issues with the new gymnasium’s bleachers, a result of ongoing construction.
“I got very worried and close to upset, (but) it turned out to be the surprise of a lifetime,” she said.
Rising Stars and finalists
This year’s Rising Stars are Nicole Pedigo, Franklin Middle School; Abbie Antonacci, Dubois Elementary School; Richard King, Matheny-Withrow Elementary; Frankie Kulavic, Southeast High School and Nichole Aiwaz, Washington Middle School.
They each will receive $250 and a crystal award from Horace Mann.
Educator of the Year finalists were Tim Elliot, Vachel Lindsay Elementary; Lydia Negele, Springfield High School; Tandra Jett, Fairview Elementary; Caitlin McCarthy, Washington Middle School; Donna Shepherd, Iles School and Jamie Berberet, Jefferson Middle School.
Each will receive $250 from Horace Mann.
Administrator of the Year finalists were Nicole Moody, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning & School Culture and Christy Ackley, Supervisor of Student Support Services.
Each will receive $250.
Maton will receive $1,400 and an award from Horace Mann. Leardi will receive $500.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Teacher of the Year tries to keep history ‘relevant’ for students
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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