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Matt Cone,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
When I was a student at Southwestern University, Dr. Nick Sikes was my academic advisor. As the chair of the Education Department, he had a lot of advice for future teachers. Among all the things that he said (and he said plenty), one thing stuck with me from the first time I went to his class: "Students," he said wryly, "will never care how much you know until they know how much you care."
For me, the creation of that rapport begins on the first day of school. "When you walked in that door," I tell them, "something happened. You became one of my kids. From here on out, you will always be one of my kids. Whether you go on to be President of the United States, or president of your cell block, you will be one of my kids; and I will be there to support you. In exchange, you need to know that, as one of my kids, I hold you to a higher standard. You represent me, my class, and my school - where I am both a teacher and a graduate. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be here. “Welcome to Plano Senior High."
My philosophy of education is based on one simple truth: teaching is not a job, it's a lifestyle. It's a career and a calling. I could spend time (and page space) explaining how I do my best to stay on top of trends in curriculum and pedagogy, but my resume does that. Instead, I want to discuss what really makes an effective teacher: relationships.
Effective teachers realize that many of the most important lessons
students will learn in school have nothing to do with their subject
field, and may take place outside of the classroom. Therefore, effective
teachers get involved in the lives of students outside of the classroom
and interact with young people as people, not
just as students. Effective
teachers realize that there is more to these people
than what they see in class. Teachers who ignore this fact miss out
on what makes
teaching great. I can't think of another career in
which I could have had pies thrown in my face, accompanied an award-winning
orchestra
on the typewriter, sang with a Grammy-winning choir,
and wrestled a 17 year old girl in a giantheaded cat costume in
front of over a thousand people. Twice. I lost both times. Where else
could I gather
my colleagues to play kickball or march in a parade
simply to prove the point that when students realize that there is
joy in teaching
and being a part of a community, they find joy in learning?
Finally, effective teachers make use of their relationships with teachers and students to make better citizens. Effective teachers lead by example and set high standards for things like hard work, courtesy, and concern for the community. They also encourage students to ask questions. They encourage students to question the values of the community, the actions of community and national leaders, and the nature of America's place in the world; and they encourage students to be involved in shaping those things. There are few things more gratifying (and a little unnerving) than having a student say "Hey, Mr. Cone, I saw your quote in the paper from last night's school board meeting." While they serve as role models for students, effective teachers force students to shape their own values and find their own path in a supportive, non judgmental environment.
I hope that my students leave my class to be successful in future endeavors because of skills that they learned in my class. My greatest satisfaction, however, comes from the continuing effort to get students to think of Plano Senior High School as more than just a collection of brick and mortar buildings. By reaching out to students and teachers, encouraging involvement in the community, and passing on traditions of my alma mater to new generations of Wildcats, I hope to help students connect to something larger than themselves.
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- BA in American Studies - Southwestern University
Teaching Experience
- 1997 to Present - Plano Senior High School Teacher
- AP US History, US History, AP Government, and
World
History
School
Principal Recommendation
Matt Cone, Plano Senior High’s nominee for PISD’s Experienced Teacher of the Year, represents the best of the next generation of teachers at this school. He brings leadership to his classroom, to this campus, and to the district, and we take great pride in presenting this PSHS graduate as our 2007 Teacher of the Year.
Matt's classes are mind blowing. Whether he is teaching
government; AP US History, or on-level US History,
his questioning techniques, lectures, and rapport
with students are inspiring. He makes kids think.
As one former student put it, Mr. Cone's class "instilled
independent thinking." Student
after student will tell you he/she left that class
a changed person. He teaches them to think; to ask questions,
to make no assumptions, to passionately care about
their world. His results clearly indicate how hard
he pushes them. Year after year 100% pass the TAKS
social studies test, and in AP his passing rate on
that national exam is over 75%. His success in AP has
resulted in his being a leader in that program, as
well. He is a reader for the grading of the US History
exam, and he serves as a consultant for College Board
each summer, teaching other teachers how to run successful
programs.
Matt couples his high expectations, however, with
compassion. Students know he cares. Another former
student wrote, "I don't think I would be as
successful this year at Plano Senior if didn't have
your class every morning, and you have faith in
me even when I don't have faith in myself." Another
student noted that Mr. Cone's passion for his work
was inspiring. "You teach with a style and passion.
Therefore, you have encouraged and inspired me into
finding my own passion in this world." You can
also see from his resume how much time outside the
classroom he spends with our students. Every year
he sponsors or helps with one group or another. This
year he has breathed new life in our pep rallies
by serving as the MC. He simply took that responsibility
on himself in order to model school pride.
Matt has also become a leader for our school and
district. He has served as the department head for
social studies since 2002 and has helped create a
solid, strong program. Teachers trust him and know
that he will work to support their programs. He is
also recognized throughout the district for his work
on curriculum, testing and textbooks. Additionally,
this year he worked to articulate the teacher perspective
on sending home tests to the School Board. His
articulate, thoughtful perspective helped craft a
solution more palatable for all.
Just as he inspires his students, Matt inspires everyone who works with him to do a better job. He helps all of us remember that education is more than work; it's a mission.
Sincerely,
Doyle Dean
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