Lifelong Learner Pursues a Path with Purpose

Working toward his third degree on the Bluff, a doctorate in educational leadership, this newly minted principal spends his days inspiring faculty, staff and students at Hosack Elementary in McCandless, Pa. 
 
In his office, a Duquesne pennant proudly hangs behind his desk alongside a poster featuring one word—"BELIEVE.” Outside Hosack Elementary, Matt raises two young children and “talks shop” with his wife—a middle school teacher and 2014 School of Education graduate. “We live and breathe everything education,” he laughs.  

It’s time for bigger goals

Matt’s path to the principal’s office started with a bachelor’s degree in 2013 and a job teaching sixth grade in Virginia. When an opportunity arose to work at North Allegheny School District (NA), his alma mater, he jumped at the chance to return to Pittsburgh. He also returned to Duquesne, earning a master’s degree.
 
Matt’s career blossomed at NA. His dedication, enthusiasm and expertise earned him an assistant principal role at Marshall Elementary, and just as he inspires students to never stop learning, he decided to think bigger and advance his education once again. 
 
“When I became assistant principal, I really wanted to go back for a doctorate,” he says. “I know from firsthand experiences how great Duquesne’s School of Education is: preparing not just educators, but educators who are leaders serving communities, students and families.”
 
Matt enjoyed his doctoral studies as well as connecting with Duquesne students who were completing field placements at Marshall Elementary. He noted that they exuded many of the qualities he values in the School of Education. 
 
“They’re prepared; they’re strong with instruction and pedagogy,” he says. “But it’s not just those strengths that set them apart. They have a dedication to community, students and to being part of something bigger. They add their personal touch and love for learning to every classroom they enter.”
 

Preparing to make an impact

Through working with Duquesne field placement students, Matt connected with Dr. Karen Levitt, associate dean for teacher education. She mentioned an opening for a classroom management instructor in the School of Education, and Matt became an adjunct professor in January 2022.
 
In addition to teaching the practical skills that all teachers need to successfully manage their classrooms, Matt stresses the importance of relationship-building. “When you put relationships first, everything else falls into place—from academic achievement to social-emotional learning to community involvement,” he says. “Strong relationships don’t just help students and families; they help the school building thrive.”
 
Matt is excited for the next generation of educators and encourages youth who are interested in pursuing these careers to consider the occupation’s benefits, including the ability to express creativity, connect with others and work as a team.
 
“We have opportunities to see long-term impact in not one kid’s life, but in hundreds of kids’ lives,” he says. “As teachers we do get appreciation in the moment, but when our seniors come visit their elementary school and give hugs and share the positive stories and impact their teachers had, it’s powerful.”
 
Matt notes that today’s educators also have the exciting task of preparing students to enter a world with rapidly changing technology and, in some cases, for “careers that don’t even exist yet.” Together, teachers and administrators work to create a future everyone can share. They instill the critical thinking, communication and innovative skills to help students become successful in an evolving world. 
 
“It’s a really cool space now where we get to focus on the skills that every student will need, regardless of the career they enter,” he says. 
 

Deep roots and a growing career 

Shortly before the 2024-2025 academic year began (marking the start of his third year in the doctorate program), Matt’s own career trajectory changed. He was appointed by the school board to serve as principal at NA’s Hosack Elementary. 
 
As he enters the final stretch of his doctorate degree and embarks on a new adventure as Hosack Elementary principal, he reflects on teachers who were always in his corner, believed in his potential and inspired him to pursue a career in education. Along with his father, who also taught at NA, several mentors remain part of his life.
 
“When I got married at Duquesne a couple years ago, I had a middle school teacher and two Duquesne professors there,” he says. “A handful of very special people have influenced me to pursue this path.”

Update: an exciting epilogue and career transition for a new EdD

Matt earned his EdD in August 2025, thankful for the support of his family and cohort.

"The most powerful part of it was having my family there--they were my rock during the whole dissertation and doctoral journey," said Matt. "And my cohort members were such a close-knit group. We got to reflect on our learning experience and all of the work we put into research and serving the community. It was a moment to soak it all in and reflect on the three-year journey and look forward to what's ahead."

What was ahead for Matt? A career transition as a client partner for FranklinCovey, a company that transforms organizations by building exceptional leaders, teams and cultures.

"With this new job, I get to partner with schools all across Pennsylvania, and that's what drew me to it," said Matt. "It's not one specific building or community--it can be hundreds of buildings and thousands of students of impact. It's nice to get out in communities and serve and work with educators, families and students."

In his new role, Matt partners with school districts to understand their needs and how he can help with matters like leadership, chronic absenteeism, school culture and climate, positive behaviors, test scores and more.

"The really nice thing about the doctoral program at Duquesne is it prepares you to lead not just in your current career, but gives you the skillset, mindset and interpersonal skills to be successful in different career paths," said Matt. "I've seen so many things I've learned from my doctoral studies--not just working with research and data but having empathy and working with people and understanding people's stories. It's really helped me in my new position."