A funky fresh approach to education.
by Asia Dorsey
photo by Kevin Fleming
Americans today are calling for a new crop of teachers: young-at-heart teachers with passion, innovation, and know-how. One look in room 223 and you will find a Mr. Matt Santambrogio who embodies all these qualities.
Matt Santambrogio started his teaching career three years ago, teaching 7th grade literature at Rishel Middle. He said really enjoyed it, and had a good time there.
But that door soon closed and one at Thomas Jefferson High School opened. Santambrogio recalled, “I was contracted through CU Denver and my contract wasn’t held. Since Sandra Just used to be the principal at Rishel, the current principal gave her a call and here I am now.”
Looking back Santambrogio recalls, “High school is completely different. The seniors show up in my Lit class and are ready to learn. I can relate to them on a higher level,” he said.
It was as a middle school student that Santambrogio first started thinking about education. “I knew by 7th grade that I wanted to have something to do with schools. I knew that something was wrong with the school experience. So many students felt unwelcome.”
After reflecting on why he chose teaching, Santambrogio went on to say, “All students have something to offer and should be able to share their voices. If you’re gonna make kids come to school then they need to feel welcome. Every kid in school has value and they should be made to feel this way.”
Santambrogio was born in Littleton Colorado in 1976, and attended Chatfield High School. He admits, “Anyone who says they have no regrets is lying to themselves; it’s a cop out." His philosophy is, “You gotta live life to its fullest because it’s short.” But most importantly, Santambrogio said, “Get all you can out of life without hurting anyone, and you’ll be okay.”
How does he keep going? “My iPod is my saving grace. So are friends, family, and good people.” He warns, “Surround yourself with positive people. Surround yourself with negative people, and it will skew your outlook.”
Santambrogio also enjoys auto mechanics and is the middle child of three. “I like the fact that I can wake up every morning and want to be at the school. Teaching for me is not a chore.”
