LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Bryan Matthews

Position: Social Studies Teacher
School: Benjamin Stoddert Middle School
School District: Charles County Public Schools
City, State: Waldorf, MD

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Music that Describes Bryan

Bryan Matthews was nominated by LaTanya Hawkins. 

Mr. Matthews is an eighth-grade U.S. History teacher and Social Studies Department Chair at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Charles County, Maryland. A native of Prince George's County, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Social Studies Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he was a Schomburg-Mellon Fellow conducting research in Africana Studies. In 2023, Mr. Matthews was selected as one of three educators in Charles County to facilitate a half-semester professional development course on teaching local, current, and contested issues in partnership with Street Law, Inc. His work centers on civic engagement, historical inquiry, and empowering students to critically analyze complex social and political topics.

Mr. Matthew's commitment to professional growth has been recognized through several competitive opportunities. In 2024, he was selected for programs with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Founding Forward's Summer Teacher Institute, and the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Through the NEH program, he developed a curriculum commemorating the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. At Founding Forward, he conducted research on Reconstruction and the long struggle for civil rights. He also participated in the Maryland Center for History and Culture's Summer Institute on Freedom and Citizenship in the New Republic. Across these experiences, Mr. Matthew continues to deepen his content knowledge and refine his instructional practice to better serve his students, colleagues, and community.

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Comments (4)

Tina Wilson Posted 12 days ago

I highly recommend Mr. Matthews. He is an eighth-grade U.S. History teacher and Social Studies Department Chair at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School who brings strong content knowledge, leadership, and a clear commitment to student learning. He excels at engaging students in civic thinking and helping them analyze complex historical and current issues. He also supports his colleagues, having been selected to lead professional development in partnership with Street Law, Inc. Mr. Matthews is dedicated to continuous growth, participating in competitive programs with the National Endowment for the Humanities, Founding Forward, and the Maryland Center for History and Culture. He consistently applies what he learns to strengthen his teaching and curriculum. I strongly recommend him for this opportunity.

Aretha Hawkins-Johns Posted 12 days ago

Bryan is very passionate about helping young people learn and achieve their dreams. He answers the call when children are in need of guidance and direction. He demonstrates this daily in his classroom as an instructor and he demonstrated it when he organized a young man's mentorship program that began with 15 boys that quickly grew to over 100! The world needs more leaders like him. This is why he is most deserving of this honor.

Tyree Posted 12 days ago

He’s a great role model for the youth community.

Doris Hawkins Posted 12 days ago

Mr Matthews demonstrates exceptional patience and an unwavering passion for teaching young people. He consistently brings his work home, seeking new and creative ways to spark curiosity and deepen his students engagement in learning. His dedication, innovation, and genuine care for his students makes him an outstanding educator who is truly deserving of this award.