Matthew Thomas

Life before Stowe

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and I spent five years studying at Harvard University. There I earned a bachelor's degree in History and Politics before obtaining a Masters in Education. I taught Middle School History and English at a school in Boston, and now I am teaching Maths at Stowe. I've never lived abroad before, so I've really enjoyed it.

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

I enjoy when people call it "Math" instead of "Maths", but Americanism jokes aside, I most love how beautiful and elegant Maths problems can be. It is so motivating to sit with, mull over, and attack problems from different ways, and I cherish when all the complexity and confusion distils into such a simple solution.

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

The people. In just one year, I feel that I have made some friends for life. My colleagues are so amazingly generous, supportive and kind.

What is your favourite Lesson?

I find probability to be so satisfying. Life is messy, but probability helps me accept the uncertainties and accept what I can't control. Plus, it comes up everywhere in life. I've loved trying to get my pupils to love it too.

What do others say about you?

"He is very tall!" (I'm 6'6")

Other hats

One of my favourite parts about Stowe is getting to wear so many different hats. Besides teaching Maths, I coach Basketball, Rugby and Cricket (which is tough for an American!), teach a set of PSHE, tutor Fourth Formers, assist with pastoral care, help Sixth Form with their elite university applications (especially to American universities) and assist Dr. Potter with the Bright Young Things program. I am looking forward to helping out with the Chess Club. I feel so lucky to have a chance to contribute in so many ways!

Passions

Besides teaching, I really love reading, exercising, writing, learning about other cultures, learning card tricks, chess, improv comedy, the Fermi paradox, and discovering differences between the U.S. and the U.K.