Mr. Matthew Richert

How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?
I never thought about teaching until I was given an opportunity substitute teaching position for a private school. I was their ice hockey coach and as a coach for their school, I was able to fill in for teachers when needed. One day I filled in for the band teacher and fell in love with teaching. I then went back to school to become certified to teach. The rest is history (funny because I am a history teacher).
Where did you go to college? What degrees do you have? What was your major?
I went to Washington and Jefferson College for my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I then went to Robert Morris University for my teaching certificate and Master of Instructional Leadership degree.
Do you believe you should build rapport with students? If yes, how?
Yes, I believe that it is very important to have a rapport with students in a professional manner. They need to know that we are resources for them to contact when they need help in school. It is tough in our school setting, but it is more valuable for them to know that we are ‘real people’ and not just computers.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is having an impact on the future of people. I realize that what I teach them now, they will use at some point in their life. Someday, one of my students will know an answer to a Jeopardy question because of something I taught them. The biggest challenge is getting students on a set schedule to be successful. If the students are self-disciplined, they will excel in this school.
What grade/subject do you teach? What grades/subjects have you taught?
I currently teach 7th grade Social Studies, Economics, Psychology, Sociology and US Government.
Describe your all-time favorite lesson/unit activity:
My favorite lesson is in my Psychology course. We were learning about subliminal messages and optical illusions. It was interesting for the students to learn all of the subliminal messages that they are exposed to every day and it was also fun to interpret various optical illusions and their affect on our perception.
Explain what makes your PA Distance curriculum so unique?
The ability to be flexible and to adapt to changes makes the PA Distance curriculum unique. One of the benefits of our charter school is to work at a pace that is comfortable to each student. They can accelerate if needed or they could be offered remediation if needed. It is a school that adapts to the individual instead of the individual adapting to the school.
What is the greatest misconception about cyber school teachers?
The greatest misconception about our teachers is that we do not exist. Many students are shocked when they meet us for the first time. They do not think that we are real, human beings.