My name is Matt Jackson, and I am beyond excited to continue at Langston this year teaching sixth and seventh grade mathematics.

I grew up in Northern California before attending The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California to receive my degree and teaching credential. Fresh out of college, I started my teaching career in sixth grade at a private school teaching all subjects. After a few years of teaching, I obtained my Master’s in Educational Management and my Administrative Services credential. Following these certifications, I served as a principal at the same private school for eight years. During my years as principal, I helped expand the school from an elementary only program to kindergarten through eighth grade.

While I enjoyed my years in administration, it was just not the same as working with students in the classroom. In 2014, I made the decision to transition out of administration and return to the classroom at a charter school similar to Langston in Petaluma, California to teach accelerated seventh grade math, science, and robotics. Returning to the classroom has been a true joy, as I particularly enjoy the opportunity to mentor and impact students on a daily basis.

Up until January of 2021, I had lived my entire life in the state of California. While this provided some amazing memories and experiences for me and my family, my wife and I came to the decision in the fall of 2020 that we would like to raise our family in a different place. After much consideration and prayer, we landed on Greenville as the place we wanted to be. Sooner than expected, a wonderful job opportunity presented itself (Mauldin Middle School), and we arrived in Greenville for good in January of 2021. Four kids, two cats, thirty-nine hours of driving…in four days and three nights. I wouldn’t recommend such a rigorous cross country trip! Since arriving in Greenville, I have spent time teaching sixth and eighth grade mathematics at Mauldin Middle School, along with serving as the youth pastor at my church  for two years.

I am blessed to be married to my best friend and beautiful wife Katie for the past twenty-two years. She is also a phenomenal educator, who has stepped away from the classroom for a time to pour herself into raising our four kids. We have a eighteen year-old daughter, a sixteen year-old son, and thirteen year-old twins. As a family, we enjoy playing board games, going on hikes, worshipping God with our church family, eating cereal, and watching Dude Perfect and Mr. Beast videos. Aside from being with my family, I personally enjoy running, collecting NES games, and watching my favorite sports teams (Arsenal Football Club, LSU Tigers, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco 49ers, and Golden State Warriors). While I have no dog in the fight, it does make me smile when South Carolina defeats Clemson in any sport. Sorry Clemson fans!

I am thrilled to be a part of the Langston community and to get to know all of you in the days and months ahead!