“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Honors Earth Science teacher Mr. Matt Fickinger illustrates William Arthur Ward’s quote. As a result, he has been nominated for June’s Teacher Feature.

Matt Fickinger attended Pennsylvania State University. While he started out with a certain goal, he soon realized that perhaps he was destined for something else. “I began my college career in Computer Science. I soon found myself very unhappy. A friend of mine told me that I would be a good educator, and got me involved with a peer educator. I found that I enjoyed it, and seemed to do very well,” Mr. Fickinger says. He then went on to pursue a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State.

When asked if there are certain qualities that a successful teacher must possess, Mr. Fickinger replies, “First, you have to be passionate about what you're doing. Otherwise, the students can see right through you. Next, you have to have effective communication skills. Some of the worst teachers I have had were geniuses in their field, but had no way to [connect] to the students.” Mr. Fickinger also points out that, in order to teach, one must have a passion for learning and mental discovery. “You have to be a learner,” he emphasizes.

In addition, Fickinger believes that relating to the students is an essential part of being a successful teacher. “Keep educating yourself on topics in and out of your field, listen to current music that students listen to, and keep up with current events. That way, you can relate to others, especially your students,” he advises.

Becoming the Keystone Earth Science/Honors Earth Science Instructor is just one of Mr. Fickinger’s accomplishments. He was the only member of his family to go on and attend college. “I graduated, obtained my Master's Degree, and paid it all off!” he exclaims. Although his teaching duties occupy a great deal of his time, Fickinger emphasizes the importance of making time for his loved ones. His “18-month-old daughter, Madison,” holds a special place in his heart.

What is Mr. Fickinger’s favorite aspect of teaching? He enjoys “when a student takes the information given, and runs with it, tak[ing] it to the next level.” When asked if he has had a particular defining moment, in his teaching career, Fickinger replies “I think every time a former student who remembers me, and says "Hello Mr. Fickinger", or writes me an email or a letter is a defining moment; it means you made a difference in that student's life.” And, in the words of Henry Adams, “A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” We here at Keystone wish Matt Fickinger the best in whatever his life may bring, and we thank him for all that he has done to influence the lives of his past and present students.