Matt Bennett

Philadelphia, PA | linkedin.com/in/cedarwater | Contact Me

Professional Summary

Educator dedicated to preparing students to navigate a complex world and an uncertain climate. Advocate for Project-Based Learning, Critical Place-Based Education, and Universal Design for Learning within a creative and equitable classroom culture. Ten+ years of leadership in program management, eco-social workforce development, and operations consulting built on a foundation of a bachelor's in mechanical engineering. Personal passion is Permaculture Design — the design-science of implementing sustainable and regenerative culture — with experience teaching through Cornell University. Currently completing the Temple Teacher Residency (M.Ed., 3.89 GPA) and using Agentic AI to develop teaching materials. Seeking to contribute to the Philadelphia School District as an Environmental Education Teacher, AI Solutions Designer/Trainer, ESOL Specialist, and/or secondary Math Teacher.

Education

Temple University | Philadelphia, PA
Master of Education in Secondary Math & Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (Temple Teacher Residency)
Boston University | Boston, MA
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Relevant Field Experience & Educational Exposure

Temple Teacher Resident | School District of Philadelphia
Project Manager & Lead Trainer | PowerCorpsPHL, Philadelphia, PA
Permaculture Design Faculty | Cornell University

Other Work Experience & Transferable Skills

General Manager | Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative
Operations Consultant | Permaculture Institute of North America
Crew Leader | PowerCorps Camden, Camden, NJ

Skills & Certifications

Instructional & Classroom

Differentiated Instruction, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Classroom Management, Standards-Aligned Lesson Planning, Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Assessment, Curriculum Development, AI Tool Development (graduate study assistant, environmental education app, Visibly Random Grouping web tool)

Technology & Tools

Google Classroom/Suite, Microsoft Office, Imagine Learning Core, Desmos, MagicSchool, Zoom, Canvas, Canva, Claude, Salesforce, GIS Mapping

Languages

English (native)  ·  French (beginner A2)  ·  Spanish (beginner A1)  ·  Italian (beginner A1)

Certifications