School has always been fun for Matt Guess. But growing up in North East ISD, he didn’t picture himself ever coming back to teach in a classroom of his own.
“I look back on school nostalgically now,” said Guess. “As I got into teaching, I realized how awesome school really is.”
Guess attended Jackson-Keller Elementary School, Nimitz Middle School and LEE High School, where he graduated in 1988. He went on to earn a degree in Turf Grass Management from Texas A&M University. After about 10 years of working in the agriculture industry, he felt a calling to come back to NEISD. Guess has several friends who teach and coach in our District. In fact, many of them were his classmates growing up. They encouraged him to give teaching a try, so he did.
Ready for a change, Guess dove headfirst into teaching. He was grateful to get a job at Bush Middle School first, and then Hill Middle School. Now, he’s teaching ELAR and coaching tennis at Lopez Middle School.
Middle school is a natural fit for Guess. He likes to have fun, and he loves to find creative ways to introduce his students to classic literature. But he can also relate to the kids in class who struggle to find a book or author to connect with.
“Each year, you meet 130 or so new kids and that’s an adventure. I’ve always leaned toward literary things, but until I became a teacher it really sparked a love of reading. I tell the kids I don’t need you to do everything perfectly. I’m here to work with you so you can be your best.”
Whether you’re on the tennis court or in the classroom with Mr. Guess, all he asks is that you give it your all and do your best. He’s also there to remind you that you don’t have to have everything figured out. Just trust that you’ll end up where you are supposed to be.
For Guess, that road sent him back home to NEISD.
