The Allen County-Scottsville High School (AC-SHS) is welcoming Matthew Pearson to the mathematics faculty at AC-SHS. Pearson brings an extensive background in finance, government service, higher education and the United States Navy to his new role.
Although Pearson graduated from Lake Roosevelt High School in Grand Coulee Dam, Washington, in 1988, his family roots run deep in Allen County. His father, the late Willard Pearson, was from the area, and his mother, Faye Miller Pearson, continues to call Allen County home.
“Most of my extended family attended AC-SHS, and many of my relatives still live in Scottsville or nearby,” Pearson said.
Pearson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from the University of Washington in 1994. He later completed a Master of Business Administration in accounting and finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in international affairs from Georgetown University.
Before joining Allen County Schools, Pearson built a career that took him into university classrooms, federal government offices and military assignments around the world. From 2012 through 2017, he served as an adjunct professor of finance at Webster University. Pearson retired from the U.S. government in 2025 after working as a finance and policy analyst with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Despite his many professional experiences, teaching mathematics has always remained one of his goals.
“I love math and always wanted to be a math instructor, so I’m taking my shot while I’m still above ground,” Pearson explained.
Pearson credits two former educators with helping shape his outlook on teaching and life. He remembers Frank Ayers as the best mathematics teacher he ever had and former middle school principal Albert Sulka as an important educational and personal role model.
As he begins his new role at AC-SHS, Pearson wants students to understand that mathematics does not have to be intimidating or boring.
“Fun, baby—we’ve got to make things fun,” Pearson stated. “I hope to help students figure out that even if they don’t like math like I do, it can help them in everything and anything they might want to do in life.”
Pearson compares developing mathematical skills to becoming physically stronger. Both require effort and practice, but both can provide benefits in nearly every area of life.
“Getting strong at math is just like getting strong physically,” he explained. “I can’t think of a scenario where it is a disadvantage to be strong.”
Pearson believes students become more comfortable with mathematics when they focus on two essential elements: practice and vocabulary.
“Every skill requires practice,” Pearson pointed out. “Once we understand the words and definitions, then all we have to do is practice.”
He also offers students a simple explanation of the purpose of mathematics.
“The purpose of mathematics is to count things faster than we can on our fingers and to measure the things we can’t count,” Pearson said.
His classroom philosophy includes what he calls TEOBAF, which stands for “The Elimination of Boredom and Frustration.” Pearson believes reducing those two obstacles can help students become more confident, engaged and successful learners.
“If we can eliminate boredom and frustration, we should be all right,” he said.
Pearson also believes educators must recognize the individual needs, personalities and experiences of their students.
“Accept people for who and what they are and treat them accordingly,” he said. “Smile and wave. It will make someone’s day, including your own.”
His ultimate view of education is straightforward.
“The purpose of education, in my view, is—or should be—the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge,” Pearson said.
In addition to his work in finance, government and education, Pearson served 12 years in the United States Navy. His military career included five years as a naval flight officer, three years as a foreign attaché liaison and four years as a hospital financial manager. His duty stations included Pensacola, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; Naval Station Rota in Spain; the Pentagon; and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Of those locations, Pearson describes Rota as the best place he has ever lived.
Family has remained an important part of Pearson’s life. He has one sister, two brothers and three sons. His sons play hockey and lacrosse at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah—the school used as the setting for Disney’s “High School Musical.”
Pearson said much of his free time during the past 17 years has been spent coaching and watching his sons participate in sports. He has also become what he describes as a “piddler,” working on different projects around the house and farm.
That interest, he believes, would have made his father proud.
Pearson is excited to begin the next chapter of his career at Allen County-Scottsville High School. Through humor, encouragement, practical lessons and plenty of practice, he hopes to help students become stronger and more confident in mathematics while showing them how those skills can benefit them throughout life.