Making Every Student Feel Like the MVP
When students log into Mr. Jeff Matthews’ class, they aren’t just joining a lesson—they’re entering a space where they feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. That commitment to student connection is what makes Mr. Matthews a standout on the Uplift team, and this year’s Elementary Educator of the Year.
His path to education is rooted in personal experience. “Growing up, school was the place where I felt safe, loved, and confident,” he shares. “I had some amazing teachers that saw the potential in me as a learner and as a person.”
Today, he pays that impact forward. “I have a chance to make the world a better place, even if that world belongs to a 7-year-old student.”
Building Community in a Virtual World
In a virtual classroom, connection is everything—and Mr. Matthews is a master at making learning come alive. Whether it’s guiding students through hands-on science experiments or integrating favorites like Minecraft and Pokémon into lessons, he’s always looking for ways to meet students where they are. “I try to make my lessons fun and engaging by incorporating art, music, movement, and creative activities,” he says.
He also knows that connection goes beyond the lesson plan. Through weekly social lunches, holiday parties, and other shared experiences, Mr. Matthews creates spaces for students to laugh, talk, and simply be kids—even through the computer screen.
A Team Like No Other
Mr. Matthews is quick to credit the team around him. “Uplift is different because it is built different from the top down,” he says. “Our administrators are some of the best educators that I have ever worked with, and they really encourage staff and students to be the best version of themselves.”
He finds purpose in working alongside colleagues who share his dedication. “Getting to work with such an incredible group of educators while helping to teach the next generation of leaders is a privilege.” According to Mr. Matthews, the camaraderie and shared mission make Uplift a place where educators thrive.
From “I Can’t” to “I Did It!”
The real magic, he says, happens in those breakthrough moments. “I’ve had students go from not knowing all of their letters and sounds to reading full paragraphs in a single year. Nothing makes me happier than when a student goes from ‘oh, no’ to ‘ah-ha.’”
He’s continually inspired by his students’ resilience, humor, and heart—and makes sure they know they’ve got someone cheering them on every step of the way.
Words to Live By
Ask his students to describe Mr. Matthews in three words, and you’ll likely hear: “caring,” “funny,” and “kind.”
Beyond the classroom, he’s a proud Michigan sports fan, a former sports announcer, and a devoted pizza enthusiast. He also enjoys movies, Peanuts comics, and the works of Mitch Albom.
The quote that guides his work as an educator is fitting:
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams
Congratulations, Mr. Matthews, and thank you for being a daily difference-maker in the lives of your students. You make Uplift—and the world—a better place.
