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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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.
I recommend Bryan Matthews for the National LifeChanger of the Year Award because of his unwavering commitment to his students. He consistently goes above and beyond to support their academic success, personal growth, and well-being. Through his dedication, positive influence, and genuine care for each student, he has made a lasting impact on the lives of those he serves. Mr. Matthews exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator and is highly deserving of this recognition.
I am honored to recommend Bryan Matthews for National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year. Throughout their career, they have demonstrated exceptional dedication to student success, innovative teaching practices, and a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Mr. Matthews consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels supported, challenged, and valued. Their lessons are engaging, well-planned, and designed to meet the diverse needs of learners. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and confidence, they inspire students to reach their full potential both academically and personally.
In addition to excellence in the classroom, Mr Matthews serves as a leader within the school community. They willingly mentor colleagues, collaborate on school initiatives, and contribute countless hours to extracurricular activities and student enrichment programs. Their professionalism, compassion, and enthusiasm have earned the respect of students, parents, and fellow educators alike.
I am proud to recommend Mr. Matthews as an educator, scholar, and leader in the fields of Ethnic Studies and Black Studies. I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him since our time as Schomburg Fellows, and throughout that time I have consistently been impressed by his intellectual curiosity, professionalism, and commitment to educational excellence.
What stands out most about Mr. Matthews is his dedication to remaining current in the field. He continually engages emerging scholarship, contemporary debates, and innovative pedagogical approaches, ensuring that his teaching reflects both historical depth and present-day relevance. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident through the numerous fellowships, institutes, and professional development opportunities he has pursued, all of which strengthen his ability to serve students and fellow educators.
Beyond his impressive credentials, Mr. Matthews is a thoughtful practitioner who understands the transformative potential of Black Studies and Ethnic Studies. He challenges students to think critically, engage civically, and connect historical inquiry to contemporary issues. His work demonstrates a deep commitment to empowering young people with the tools to analyze, question, and shape the world around them.
I consider Mr. Matthews to be an emerging national leader in this field. His scholarship, teaching, and dedication to advancing historically grounded and socially relevant education make him a tremendous asset to students, schools, and the broader educational community.
I am truly honored to nominate Bryan Matthews. He has always dreamed of being a teacher in and out of the classroom and it is very evident ...he just does not think of it as a job but a calling who is always ready to create a challenging environment for his students.
I sincerely nominate Bryan Matthews for your prestigious Life Changer of The Year award
Great man and even more a solid instructor.
I strongly support Bryan for this recognition. He is a dedicated educator who genuinely invests in the success and growth of his students both inside and outside the classroom. His passion for mentoring young people is evident in the way he encourages leadership, accountability, and confidence in every student he works with. Beyond teaching, he took the initiative to create a mentorship program that rapidly expanded.
I nominate Bryan Matthew as LifeChanger of the year. Great man & a great teacher. The proof is in the way his students acknowledge & appreciate his efforts. You don’t have to brag when people do it for you. Everyone only mentions his name with excellence.
Bryan is a national treasure. He is a role model to me as a 30-year veteran teacher, so imagine the impact he has on his students. He is a truth teller and a content expert who has incredible passion for telling the true stories of America. Usually people with the Kindle library of a PhD in African American studies just don't teach middle school, but he knows that it is in the classroom where the real work is done.
Bryan is committed to inspiring young people to learn, grow, and pursue their goals. He consistently steps up to provide guidance and support to children who need encouragement and direction. His dedication is evident each day in the classroom, where he works to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for his students.
Bryan is a dedicated professional who loves his students and teaching his craft. The school system is lucky to have him.
Awesome young man with the ability to make positive changes given his past achievements!!!
I nominate Bryan Matthew as LifeChanger of the year because he consistently goes above and beyond for his students. Teaching is more than just a job to him — it’s his passion. He genuinely cares about the success and well-being of every student and works tirelessly to make a positive difference in their lives every day.
The attribute that makes Mr. Bryan Matthews a special teacher is that he addresses the affective nature of the students with the same vigor that he applies to their intellectual nature. His disposition towards students is welcoming. Students can always tell when teachers really care about them, and they flock to Mr. Bryan Matthews because of his genuine concern and gentle humor.
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.
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.
He’s a great role model for the youth community.
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.
