Matthew
Swoveland


Matthew Swoveland is an educator at Roca, an organization that works with very high risk young people in Chelsea, Mass. He is passionate about education as a key element in the reintegration of young people after gang involvement and incarceration. He has taught everything from classical Greek tragedy to a history of cheese in the western world. Above all, he believes in the power of relationships to transform the ways we process information, build meaning, and relate with others.

Articles by Matthew

Where Learning Happens

For some marginalized students, profound learning happens in the space between lessons.

Disarming Education

Focus teacher training on transformative education—not handgun use.

On ‘That’s So Gay’ and Learning Math

A student’s frustration over a math lesson offers an opportunity to learn about respect.

Breaking Through the Challenge

When students thought success was impossible, wooden model rockets served as tools to boost self-esteem.

Reflection on Student Engagement

After the re-evaluation of a lesson, this teacher was able to connect with students on a much deeper level.
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A map of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi with overlaid images of key state symbols and of people in community

Learning for Justice in the South

When it comes to investing in racial justice in education, we believe that the South is the best place to start. If you’re an educator, parent or caregiver, or community member living and working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi, we’ll mail you a free introductory package of our resources when you join our community and subscribe to our magazine.

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