Principal and Lifelong Learner Pursues a Path with Purpose

Working toward his third degree on the Bluff, a doctorate in educational leadership, this newly minted principal spends his days inspiring faculty, staff and students at Hosack Elementary in McCandless, Pa. 
 
In his office, a Duquesne pennant proudly hangs behind his desk alongside a poster featuring one word—"BELIEVE.” Outside Hosack Elementary, Matt raises two young children and “talks shop” with his wife—a middle school teacher and 2014 School of Education graduate. “We live and breathe everything education,” he laughs.  

It’s time for bigger goals

Matt’s path to the principal’s office started with a bachelor’s degree in 2013 and a job teaching sixth grade in Virginia. When an opportunity arose to work at North Allegheny School District (NA), his alma mater, he jumped at the chance to return to Pittsburgh. He also returned to Duquesne, earning a master’s degree.
 
Matt’s career blossomed at NA. His dedication, enthusiasm and expertise earned him an assistant principal role at Marshall Elementary, and just as he inspires students to never stop learning, he decided to think bigger and advance his education once again. 
 
“When I became assistant principal, I really wanted to go back for a doctorate,” he says. “I know from firsthand experiences how great Duquesne’s School of Education is: preparing not just educators, but educators who are leaders serving communities, students and families.”
 
Matt enjoyed his doctoral studies as well as connecting with Duquesne students who were completing field placements at Marshall Elementary. He noted that they exuded many of the qualities he values in the School of Education. 
 
“They’re prepared; they’re strong with instruction and pedagogy,” he says. “But it’s not just those strengths that set them apart. They have a dedication to community, students and to being part of something bigger. They add their personal touch and love for learning to every classroom they enter.”
 

Preparing to make an impact

Through working with Duquesne field placement students, Matt connected with Dr. Karen Levitt, associate dean for teacher education. She mentioned an opening for a classroom management instructor in the School of Education, and Matt became an adjunct professor in January 2022.
 
In addition to teaching the practical skills that all teachers need to successfully manage their classrooms, Matt stresses the importance of relationship-building. “When you put relationships first, everything else falls into place—from academic achievement to social-emotional learning to community involvement,” he says. “Strong relationships don’t just help students and families; they help the school building thrive.”
 
Matt is excited for the next generation of educators and encourages youth who are interested in pursuing these careers to consider the occupation’s benefits, including the ability to express creativity, connect with others and work as a team.
 
“We have opportunities to see long-term impact in not one kid’s life, but in hundreds of kids’ lives,” he says. “As teachers we do get appreciation in the moment, but when our seniors come visit their elementary school and give hugs and share the positive stories and impact their teachers had, it’s powerful.”
 
Matt notes that today’s educators also have the exciting task of preparing students to enter a world with rapidly changing technology and, in some cases, for “careers that don’t even exist yet.” Together, teachers and administrators work to create a future everyone can share. They instill the critical thinking, communication and innovative skills to help students become successful in an evolving world. 
 
“It’s a really cool space now where we get to focus on the skills that every student will need, regardless of the career they enter,” he says. 
 

Deep roots and a growing career 

Shortly before the 2024-2025 academic year began (marking the start of his third year in the doctorate program), Matt’s own career trajectory changed. He was appointed by the school board to serve as principal at NA’s Hosack Elementary. 
 
As he enters the final stretch of his doctorate degree and embarks on a new adventure as Hosack Elementary principal, he reflects on teachers who were always in his corner, believed in his potential and inspired him to pursue a career in education. Along with his father, who also taught at NA, several mentors remain part of his life.
 
“When I got married at Duquesne a couple years ago, I had a middle school teacher and two Duquesne professors there,” he says. “A handful of very special people have influenced me to pursue this path.”