MSTA is honored to recognize Matt Good as one of 15 members who were named 2022 Regional Teachers of the Year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Committees comprised of education peers and key stakeholders from each Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) in Missouri selected the 2022 Regional Teachers of the Year. Further, Good was honored as a finalist in the running for 2022 Missouri Teacher of the Year.
About Matt
School building: Lee’s Summit West High School
District: Lee’s Summit R-7
Grade level: 9-12
Subject: Debate
Number of years teaching: 22
What makes you eager to start a new semester or new year? One of the best parts about teaching debate is that debate topics are always changing. Even after 22 years, there are new, fresh things to teach students about, so it doesn’t get stale. I also am fortunate to keep many students for several years, so starting a new school year is a bit like a homecoming as we reconnect and start working on the new debate season.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Don’t be so worried about looking like you’ve got it together. Focus on developing positive relationships with all of your students. Ask your colleagues for advice and learn from what they do well.
What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? E-mail is great for many things, but important conversations is not one of them. Talk to parents rather than enter a protracted e-mail exchange