Meet Matt Hymas
In His Own Words
Background and Early Life
Raised in West Valley, Utah, I’ve been surrounded by the education system my whole life. My father was a math teacher, and from the time I was eight years old, I remember him coming home and sharing stories about his students. Ultimately, it was his stories, and the relationships he had with his students, that inspired me to become an educator.
After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Teaching from the University of Utah, I pursued a master's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University.
When I’m not working, I like playing and coaching basketball, the latter of which I’ve done for twenty plus years. I enjoy being in the mountains surrounded by nature or fishing from lakes and rivers. I love spending time with my family, and find pleasure in the simple moments with them.
Service and Experience
I began my teaching career in Salt Lake and Toole Counties in 2008, teaching math to secondary students for several years. I loved teaching and helping my students learn; wanting to have a larger and more profound impact on our students, I took an opportunity in an administrative role as a principal for a Jr. High School.
Since then, I’ve taken on various positions within the education sector, including but not limited to, athletic director, assistant secondary director, and high school director. Currently, I’m serving as an Executive Director at Excelsior Academy, a tuition free public charter school that emphasizes academic success through individual, leveled learning.
Outside of my educational career within the classroom, I’ve had the opportunity to coach basketball at multiple different levels, including Jr. High and High school. As someone who has been a coach for over twenty years, and who has played basketball for many more, I know what it takes to be a team player. I understand our differences are what strengthens us, and I recognize if we can identify and utilize our unique abilities, we can become champions.
Commitment to Serve
My unique experience in the classroom as a teacher, as an administrator, and as a father, has helped me to understand the individual needs of students, parents, and teachers. I have learned that in order to help students, and lead them on their path towards success, I have to listen to their needs.
I want to learn about the needs of your community. I want to serve you and create meaningful change. I want our students and communities to flourish.
I will listen to you!