Matt returns to the Taft community after 17 years with his wife, Stacey, his stepson, Eren and his two dogs, Turbo and Winter. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Matt began his academic and athletic career at the University of Illinois at Chicago, having earned a baseball scholarship. After a career ending injury, however, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish (language and literature) and education from Northern Illinois University. In 2004, he completed his master’s degree from Middlebury College in Spanish, and he is currently working on his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in education policy and leadership. Matt celebrates his 30th year as an educator, having worked in public and independent schools and having taught students ranging from elementary through graduate levels. Over his career, Matt has served as a teacher, coach, advisor, administrator, dean, educational consultant, curriculum designer, trips coordinator, translator, service director, and CEO of his own nonprofit organization. He has lived and worked in eight states and four Spanish-speaking countries. Matt looks forward to serving the Taft community in the many years to come.