The award was presented in Washington, D.C., over the weekend as part of the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala.
“Matthew exemplifies a true commitment to making a difference in his community through education and the connections he forms with students every day,” said President and CEO of The NEA Foundation Sara A. Sneed. “His teaching practice serves as an inspiration and a reminder that each one of us has the power to make a positive impact on our communities.”
Hamilton has taught social studies and video production at East Jordan Middle/High School for 23 years but he’s known more in the community for his effort outside the classroom.
In 2008, Hamilton founded the East Jordan Shoe Club, which collects footwear from successful people. He uses them as symbols to teach students to dream big. Hamilton has collected shoes from Stephen Spielberg, Dolly Parton, and Michael Jordan, to name a few.
“So many teachers are putting countless hours in after school to make sure their kids are successful, and so many teachers are involved in their communities.”
Matt Hamilton
Nationally recognized teacher at East Jordan Middle School
In his acceptance speech, Hamilton encouraged his fellow teachers to dream with their students. He said they inspire him every day.
“For the Shoe Club, and in my class in general, it's about dreaming big, setting goals, working hard, and then giving back and making the world a better place,” he said. “The most successful people value themselves and they value other people.”
Hamilton’s Shoe Club also gives back with community projects, including raising money to install solar panels for a school in their district, raising funds to enhance a school garden, and partnering with veterans to improve a community park.
IPR News profiled Hamilton and the Shoe Club last year. At the time, Hamilton called his students his “heroes” and said the mission of the shoe club aligns with the goals of public education.
“So many teachers are putting countless hours in after school to make sure their kids are successful, and so many teachers are involved in their communities,” he said. “It was really great to be recognized for that work.”
The Award for Teaching excellence came with $25,000 which Hamilton says will help pay for his daughter's college tuition.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For the past several months, reporter Michael Livingston has been working with Hamilton’s Shoe Club students to create a podcast as a community service project. It's called “If Shoes Could Talk” and you can find it wherever you listen to podcasts.
