Matt Sadler

2021 "Pass the Torch" Scholarship Finalist

“The novelist Marlon James once said, ‘Writers don’t have a process. Writers have habits. If you set a routine, the music will show up.’ And how sweet that music will be for my 10th graders if they have an English teacher who cares for them as Ms. Caisse cared for me.”

While Matt Sadler aspires to be an English teacher and help his students appreciate the power of language, it was math teacher Ms. Caisse who taught him one of his most important skills. Math never came easily to Matt, especially algebra, and he often became enraged and ashamed when he couldn’t grasp concepts easily. Ms. Caisse changed that, however, teaching him to self-regulate and manage his emotions, and instilling powerful habits that allowed him to take control of his learning.

Here is Matt's story about Ms. Caisse, the teacher who inspired him.

Want to hear the stories of the other nine finalists? Visit our 2021 Scholarship Finalists page.

Thinking of applying to this year's program? Learn more on our Teachers Test Prep "Pass the Torch" Teacher Scholarships page.