Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – 31 Years ago, Matt Maton started his teaching journey. 26 years ago, he joined Springfield Public Schools. Now in the year of 2026. He was officially awarded as the Horace Mann/District 186 Educator of the Year.

It has been quite the journey for Maton.

“I was taking some classes at UIS several years ago now. I had a couple classmates that taught at Southeast and, you know, they just raved about it and talked about what a wonderful experience they were having, and one was Teacher of the Year winner as well, Tammy Bailey was her name,” Maton said, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch. “I said, ‘Hey, look, you know, if you guys ever get an opening in the department, let me know.’ 
It sounds like a place I’d like to work, and then, there was an opening, and I was fortunate enough to get that job 26 years ago.”

Through trials and tribulations at different districts, Maton wanted something different.

“Well, it’s not as if I didn’t enjoy experiences at the other high schools that I taught at,” said Maton. 
”It was I was just looking for something a little different. I grew up in a small town in Illinois, and I was teaching and coaching at some small schools. And, you know, I wanted something that was more diverse.”

After years of succession as a teacher for District 186. Matt himself feels like he’s changed a lot.

“I think I’m a very different teacher after 31 years than I was at the outset, and a lot of that has to do with continuing to read and continuing to educate myself,” said Maton. “And I think the skill of synthesizing is something that comes with age and with knowledge. “

Matt Maton joined the WTAX Morning Newswatch to discuss being awarded the Horace Mann Educator of the Year.