teachers

Two Years, One Month, and a Whole Lot of Gratitude

/ Matthew Hamilton / Leave a comment

Today is graduation day. At 1:00 PM Eastern (10:00 AM local time), Grand Canyon University will hold its ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona, to honor those completing their degrees—including me. I won’t be there in person. I’ll be in Ringgold, Georgia, still in the classroom, still student teaching, still learning. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This moment marks the completion of my Master’s in Secondary Education—a journey that started on October 19, 2023. Two years ago this Sunday, I took my first steps into graduate school. Two years and one month later, I’m finishing strong with a 96 in my final course as we enter week 11 of 15. My last day of student teaching is November 18, and my final online class concludes the very next day.

It’s difficult to find words for how meaningful this student teaching experience has been. I hit a home run with my mentor teacher—his patience, guidance, and willingness to show me the ropes have made all the difference. Heritage High School has been a perfect fit. The teachers, administrators, and staff have welcomed me with open arms. I’ve felt seen, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. I know I’ll miss it deeply when I finish next month.

When I started this journey, I was working in an elementary school. Last year, I spent a full year substitute teaching at a middle school, and I loved it. I thought maybe middle school was my calling. But a wise principal encouraged me to try high school too—to expand my experience before making a decision. I’m so glad I listened. Now, having taught at both levels, I can honestly say I enjoy working with both age groups. And while the final decision may come down to where a job opens up, I feel fortunate to be versatile and prepared.

Once student teaching ends, I’ll finish in the middle of the school year, which means I can keep substitute teaching at either level while I wait for a full-time opportunity. That flexibility is a gift, and I’m grateful for it.

This story isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s about the people who made it happen—the mentors, principals, students, and colleagues who helped me grow. It’s about the quiet moments of doubt and the louder moments of joy. It’s about showing up, day after day, and learning to teach with both heart and humility.

Thanks for walking with me on this journey. Graduation may be happening in Phoenix today, but the real celebration is right here—in the classroom, with the students, and in the steady rhythm of growth.

First Week Reflections: A New Beginning at Heritage High

/ Matthew Hamilton / Leave a comment

The first week of my student teaching experience has been a whirlwind of introductions, excitement, and unexpected blessings. While the students officially arrived on Friday, the week began with four days of preplanning — a time to meet faculty, settle in, and prepare for the semester ahead.

Meeting My Mentor

Back in early July, I received an email from Grand Canyon University with the name of my cooperating teacher and school placement. I immediately reached out to Mr. Dempsey, who responded warmly and shared that he’d be teaching three American Government classes — two honors and one college prep. We exchanged a few texts the Sunday before preplanning began, finalizing details and setting the tone for a collaborative partnership.

On Monday morning, I arrived at Heritage High School at 7:30 AM and met Mr. Dempsey in person for the first time. He was incredibly welcoming, introducing me to other teachers and staff before we headed to our first faculty meeting in the cafeteria. Throughout the week, I continued meeting faculty, administrators, and fellow Social Studies teachers — including a department-wide meeting that made me feel like part of a team from day one. I also found out he is a huge Dave Matthews Band fan, which should tell you all you need to know. We were meant to work together. He also has over 25 years of experience in teaching.

Open House and Student Energy

Wednesday evening was Open House, and I was genuinely impressed by the turnout. You might expect high school students to be indifferent to such events, but they showed up in full force, many with their families. It was a quick meet-and-greet, but it gave me a glimpse into the energy and engagement I’d be seeing in the classroom. My youngest, Caroline, also got to meet Mr. Dempsey’s daughter, who is also at the Elementary School. 

A New School, A New Perspective

Heritage High School, now 18 years old, is the newest of the three high schools in Catoosa County. While I had visited the theater and track for field trips and Julie’s elementary track meets, I had never stepped inside the school itself. As someone who lives across the street from Ringgold Middle and High School — and who spent last year substituting at Ringgold Middle — I was initially disappointed that my placement wasn’t there or the high school where I had completed almost all of my 100+ practicum hours.

But that feeling quickly faded. Heritage has turned out to be a fantastic placement. The faculty and staff have great chemistry, and the environment is supportive and welcoming. Sure, the classroom numbering system is a little chaotic, but the heart of the school is strong.

First Day with Students

Friday marked the first day of school for students, and it was a great start. The day began with a school-wide assembly and a “get to know the campus” activity for underclassmen, while seniors enjoyed a breakfast. Since we have planning during first block, Mr. Dempsey and I helped out where needed.

Second block brought our first group of students — and my first chance to lead an activity. Mr. Dempsey gave me the opportunity to introduce a lesson, and I even got to grade the benchmark assignment. It wasn’t for an official grade, but it gave us a sense of where the students are starting from. I also got a visitor, Lilly (Cade’s sweet girlfriend), who came by to say hello during lunch. The day flew by, and I’m already looking forward to Monday.

Final Thoughts

I’m only one week into student teaching, but I already feel grateful for where I’ve landed. While I initially hoped to be placed at Ringgold Middle or High School, I’ve learned that sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places. Heritage High has welcomed me with open arms, and I’m excited to grow here — not just as a teacher, but as a learner, teammate, and mentor.

Almost a Teacher: Why I Went Back to School at 45

/ Matthew Hamilton / Leave a comment

In October 2023, I did something unexpected—I enrolled in a graduate program, 21 years after earning my undergraduate degree. Now, as I wrap up the final stretch—student teaching this fall and graduation on the horizon—I’ve found myself reflecting not just on the journey, but on why I started it in the first place.

The decision wasn’t sudden. It developed over time into a slow-burning conviction, rooted in something I’ve carried for most of my life: a deep love for history and social studies. That spark, I can trace all the way back to seventh grade.

Mr. England was the first teacher who truly inspired me. He introduced me to the Model U.N. program. As junior high students (not yet called middle school), we couldn’t participate directly, but we could serve as pages for the high schoolers. Even then, I was drawn to the idea of diplomacy, critical thinking, and global awareness. That experience planted a seed.

Later, in high school, that spark caught fire. Mr. Touchberry, my honors world history teacher, didn’t just teach a subject—he lived it. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it made the past feel alive. I continued with Model U.N. under his mentorship—not just because of the content, but because of the atmosphere he created: one of curiosity, seriousness, and respect. I didn’t know it then, but the way he taught would become a quiet blueprint in the back of my mind.

Those classrooms shaped me. They didn’t just inform my interests—they revealed what good teaching could be. And now, two decades later, I’m preparing to step into that same role.

Going back to school in my mid-40s wasn’t the easiest decision. I was 45 when I started, balancing family, work, and life—all while re-learning how to be a student again. But it felt right. It felt like finally answering a call I’d heard years ago.

Now that my coursework is complete, student teaching is the final step. I received an invitation to attend the graduation ceremony in Phoenix this October—Grand Canyon University’s big in-person celebration. I may not be able to make the trip from Georgia, but that’s okay. The real celebration will be standing at the front of a classroom, sharing the subject I love with students who might discover that same spark.

I know the challenges ahead. Teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers, and I’m entering it with my eyes wide open. But maybe that’s exactly why I’m choosing it now. Because students still need guides who believe in history—not just the facts, but the stories, the lessons, the connections—and who believe in them.

Starting a new career at this point in life isn’t about catching up. It’s about showing up. It’s about using everything I’ve learned—not just from books, but from life—and offering it to the next generation.

So, if you’re reading this and wondering if it’s too late to begin again, let me say this: it’s not. Whether you’re 25 or 55, there is no expiration date on purpose. There is no deadline on becoming who you’re meant to be. The only thing that’s too late is never trying at all.

As for me, I may be starting this chapter later than most—but I’m ready. And I can’t wait to see where it leads.