.252 Matt Singley
It’s safe to say that I was the luckiest kid ever to have Mr. Singley as my third-grade teacher. Unconditionally kind and overflowing with compassion, Matt was hyper-focused on each student’s respective needs, wants, and path toward success. Every day in his classroom was one filled with true education, joy, imagination, creativity, and perhaps most importantly, learning that was fun.
Everything Matt did in the classroom clearly stemmed from his unending sense of empathy. He cared deeply for each of us and found ways to meet us where we were and teach us all in a way that worked best for us. Matt’s attention to detail and the little things in life was always paramount and, especially in hindsight, wildly appreciated. No teacher would give you a CD of classical music to introduce their students to that beautiful universe, but Matt did. No teacher would show their students the strategy behind the game of chess or provide a memory video at the end of the year (that still makes me cry), but Matt did. He was always prepared, supportive and encouraging. 20 years later, I still think fondly of so many moments in his class, and the other students that I learned with are still some of my close friends today.
Matt, or as I will always know you, Mr. Singley, thank you for having one of the toughest, most needed professions and for being a true hero, to me and thousands of others. Thank you for the tireless work you have always put in to ensure your students get the best education and make the most of their lives. Thank you for giving me the space to expand my passions and to explore my creativity. Thank you for believing in us and treating us kindly and with respect. Thank you for the magic you create by sitting certain folks next to each other, and for always looking for out for each and every student’s wellbeing. Thank you for turning your classroom into a place that kids look forward to learning in. I’m so grateful to have learned from you, and to continue to learn from you. I’m especially grateful that we could reconnect today. Thank you, Mr. Singley, for being all that you are.
-BD