Matthew Schiller first caught the teaching bug while tutoring math and science as a college student, but it was his role as a teaching assistant as a UCR biochemistry graduate student that solidified his decision to become a teacher.  

“Being a teaching assistant showed me not only what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, but the experience also introduced me to my wife of 17 years, who also went through the program and taught alongside me in several biochemistry courses,” said Matt.

Matt was born in New York City, and moved to Riverside with his family when he was a little over a year old. He attended Riverside Poly High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in biology at UC San Diego, and a Master of Science in biochemistry and teaching credential from UC Riverside. After teaching at Westlake High School in Westlake Village for two years, he and his wife moved back to Riverside, where he has been a science teacher at the same high school he attended for the past 16 years. 

Throughout his career, Matt has been recognized for his contributions to the field of teaching and dedication to his students. He received the prestigious Riverside Unified School District Teacher of the Year award in 2010; a teaching award from Yale University in 2012 (for which he was nominated by a former student); and most recently, the Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching through the Church of Latter-Day Saints.  

An exemplary educator, Matt has expanded the academic and extracurricular opportunities for his students at Poly High School. He resurrected the Advanced Placement chemistry class, which had not been available at the school for several years prior. In his first year of teaching the course, more than 60 percent of his students passed the AP test, and in 2009, that number grew to 92.3 percent – a testament to his dedication. 

He launched the Poly Photography Club 14 years ago, and since its inception, students have exhibited at Division 9 Gallery, the Blood Orange Info Shop, and Riverside Art Museum. Matt also coaches the Mock Trial team, leading his team to the state competition 11 times.

A firm believer in paying it forward, Matt serves as a mentor for other UCR students and future teachers. He teaches chemistry through the UCR School of Medicine’s Faststart summer program, is a mentor teacher in GSOE’s teaching education program, and is active in GSOE's Alumni Mentor Network, a seminar series where veteran teachers address topics to help prepare student teachers to transition into their own classrooms.

“Working with the Alumni Mentor Network is such an important way for me to give back to the community that has given so much to me. Teaching is such a hard discipline to master, and in my early days of student teaching, I wish I had more advice from others in my field. That is what I hope I can give to the students that I mentor now who are just getting their feet wet in education,” he said. 

When asked if there were any teachers who inspired him, Matt says, “Two teachers that stand out as mentors for me were Ron Krull at Poly High School and Jeff Moorehead at UC San Diego. Mr. Krull taught AP biology, and his unflappable patience and firm, but fair discipline, are styles I try to emulate in my teaching. Dr. Moorehead taught several evolutionary biology and ecology courses at UCSD. We had a very close mentor/mentee relationship. He taught me how to be accessible as an instructor, but still maintain that teacher/student dynamic.”

Matt’s advice to new and aspiring teachers is to never stop learning new things. “What I like the most about teaching is getting to be creative in how I explain something and with new tools being developed all the time, it is important to keep trying new things to reach your students.”