Getting to know teacher assistant Matt Tesson

What is your job? What do you do for your job?

“I’m a teacher’s assistant, and I have a few different responsibilities. First, I have lunch duty, in which I make sure students are not roaming the halls. Second, I have fifth, sixth, and seventh period study halls that I oversee and help students when needed. Finally, after school, I make sure students are where they need to be and make the announcements for the activity buses!”

Is this your first time doing this?

“Yes.”

What got you interested in your job?

“What made me interested in this job was getting my foot in the door for a great school district such as Parkway.”

What is your favorite thing about your job? Could you give an example as well?

“My favorite thing about my job is getting to know the students and hopefully making a positive impact on their experience here at West!”

Are there any challenges you face? Could you give an example?

“My greatest challenge, so far, has been getting over my nerves of making the afternoon bus announcement to the whole school! [The] first few times were nerve wracking!”

How do you overcome these challenges?

“The best way to overcome any challenge is facing it head on!  I’m not nervous anymore.”

What are you most excited for this year and why?

“I am most excited to see the improvement that my students have made with their grades over the course of the year. Some students did not start the year off very well in the classroom, but with hard work and determination, they are overcoming the slow start!”

Why did you decide to work at West?

“It is all about opportunity. West had an opportunity for me, and I jumped all over it! I have never heard a bad thing about Parkway West High!”

What is your favorite thing about West so far and why?

“My favorite thing so far has been the people. Everyone from the students, support staff and regular staff has welcomed me with open arms. It has been a very easy transition moving to work at West.”

What is one fun fact about you that you want people to know?

“I didn’t ever play basketball! I get asked that question everyday because of my height.  Basketball was never my thing, but I was very successful in baseball!”

How would you like students to see you?

“As someone who is here to help them, has their best interest in mind and really wants them to succeed in everything they do!”

What are your goals for this year?

“My main goal while at West is to work hard and have a positive attitude everyday!”

If you could teach a subject, what subject would you teach and why?

“I would love to teach P.E./Health in which I’m certified to do so!”