A few minutes with Mr. Matt Martin
Q: How long have you been teaching Armijo?
A: Since August
Q: What do you teach?
A: Woodshop, Building and Construction Trades
Q: Besides teaching what have you done for work?
A: I was project manager, working mostly for the Department of Defense, Air Force, and Cal Water. I helped run engineering design projects on multiple military installations including power, water and waste water systems.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I want to become an administrator so that I can push for changes in the education system. Students deserve access to programs that teach them skills that will truly benefit them and their future income goals.
Q: What are your hobbies? What else do you do for fun?
A: My hobbies include gardening, woodworking, and going to the gym.
Q: What advice would you give to students considering going into teaching?
A: I would advise students to go into a profession that will afford them the lifestyle they wish to live. For example, students should focus on subjects like STEM where the average income level is drastically higher.
Q: If you could change one thing about Armijo (students, facilities, staff, etc.), what would it be and why?
A: I would change how we interact with each other; students and faculty would all have mutual respect. I think many of the students feel like staff doesn’t care about them when in truth we care about them deeply. Having mutual respect would greatly improve moral as well as productivity in class while fostering a strong sense of community.
Q: Where did you go to high school? Where did you go to college? Who influenced you when you were a student?
A: I graduated from Buckingham Charter in Vacaville and went on to Sac State after doing a few years at Solano. I’m currently enrolled at Brandman working on a Master’s degree in Education. My greatest influence as a student would have to be my good friend Carl. Carl is an Iraq war veteran, having served in the army as a chemical weapons specialist. Carl drove me to school and helped me to stay focused. When we carpooled to Sac State, my ROTC class started at 5:30 am. Carl’s first class was after noon. He never complained. He just pushed me to keep good grades.
