Matt has spent the last 17 years teaching internationally and is a product of international schools himself, having attended them his whole life and always imagining he would one day work in one. Growing up, when he moved schools, he learned what it means to adapt, fit in, and rebuild friendships, experiences that now help him understand students with similar lifestyles. Before becoming a teacher, he first built a career in hotel management, until he realized his real passion was working with children rather than adults.

Igniting His Spark of Genius

Matt has loved History and Geography for as long as he can remember. When he was just five years old, his father bought him a book called Countries of the World. He memorised all of it, from flags to facts to famous places, and it sparked his lifelong love of learning, culture, and travel. That same excitement for discovery now shapes the way he teaches his students.

Memorable Teaching Moment

One of Matt’s most inspiring experiences was leading a trip to Washington, D.C., for Grade 11 students in England, many of whom had never left their village before. Watching them experience history coming alive for the first time, and seeing the world beyond home, was “incredible and unforgettable.” Moments like these fuel his belief in the power of international education.

Teaching Philosophy

Mathew’s approach is rooted in curiosity, active engagement, and helping students understand the world, and their place in it. He believes that History and Geography give young people essential skills: critical thinking, cultural awareness, global understanding, and an appreciation of how societies develop and change over time. His goal is to inspire students the same way he was inspired as a child, with passion, storytelling, and hands-on experiences.

Career Highlights

One of the standout moments in Mathew’s career came early on: he was nominated for National Teacher of the Year in the UK in 2008, during his first year of teaching. His teacher trainer encouraged him to create active, innovative lessons, lessons where students moved, acted, debated, recreated historical events, and learned through doing. It became his signature style. His classroom rarely stops moving, and he believes learning should be dynamic, engaging, and full of life.