Age: 22
Preferred Pronouns: he/him/his
Syracuse University, History & Education Studies
Educator
We all might've had that ONE favorite educator that we related to and made our educational experiences that much better with their enthusiasm and willingness to connect with us. They got us. They were listening to the same music we were, they were up to date on the latest pop culture references and they cared about our wellbeing and didn't see us as numbers in a classroom. Their impression upon us would be forever marked in our memory. Wouldn't it be great if there was a new wave of educators taking that extra step to bridge gaps and make connections with all their students?
Meet Niles Mattier!
As a student at Boston Collegiate Charter School, he was consistently influenced by the teachers he had and was profoundly impacted by their ability to connect with him. Following graduation from Syracuse University, he returned to the familiar halls of the school he once attended to follow in the footsteps of the teachers he admired and breaking barriers using his knowledge of the City Girls (#FreeJT) and promoting social justice.
Niles finds it imperative that teachers find ways to bridge gaps with every single one of their students, particularly if they find themselves engaging with students of color. He recalls his educational experience being that much more worthwhile when he felt seen and the intersectionality of identities he claimed were equally acknowledged. He aims to do the same thing in his classroom. He even uses the beginning weeks of the school to truly make a connection with his students in place of solely learning content. Niles teaches and encourages his young students to engage with their identities and challenge the way in which they engage with societal systems, including their education.
"They won’t remember every single historical event or date we learn. . . but I want my students to understand systemic injustice and how their identities play a role in that. I want them to understand their privilege and systems in place that have been oppressing and continue to oppress people of color. I want them to be the people who are trying to change the system."
Aside from being 100% WOKE, Niles is LIT in the classroom and aims to make each lesson not only educational but positive and interactive. From reading Queer literature to students, encouraging students giving back to their community or to become one with nature by learning the basics of gardening to re-enacting labor union strikes of the 20th century.
It is extremely important to have powerful relationships with the students on a personal level and to allow them to realize that teachers are also human beings with a meaning behind them, just like everyone else. It is easier for students to respect someone that they can relate to and feel comfortable with.
In the words of the great (but lowkey/highkey cancelled) Kayne West, "LISTEN TO THE KIDS" because they have a lot to say and it is important that older generations foster their futures by any means necessary.
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If you’d like to learn more about the field of education or get in contact with Niles to talk inclusivity and diversity within the classroom, hit him up!
Thank you Niles for striving to be the change you wish to see in this world and letting the work you do speak for US! 🙌🏿🙌🏾🙌🏽