New to the building this year is social studies teacher Carson Matile. Previously, Matile spent the last nine years teaching at Chisholm Middle School. Prior to Chisholm, Matile taught for two years in Valley Center, four years in Emporia and subbed for three years in Emporia while getting his college degree.

“After doing middle school for 15 years, it was time for a change,” Matile said. “I love teaching middle school age students. I could probably go over there tomorrow and teach this stuff off the top of my head, but I was wanting to do something different.”

Matile obtained two degrees from Emporia State University (ESU), including a Bachelor of Science and Education and a Bachelor of Science with a focus in sociology. Matile will be teaching four sections of sophomore world history, one of which he will be co-teaching with Mr. (Dennis) Wedel, as well as one section of junior U.S. Contemporary History. 

“It’s almost like I’m a freshman coming into this building. There’s a lot of things that I have to get used to,” Matile said. “I’m looking forward to getting through the year so that when next year rolls around, I’ll feel a lot more comfortable with what I’m teaching.”

Throughout Matile’s transition to the high school, he has looked forward to seeing the faces of this former students. Seeing the skills they have acquired that have helped them develop in mature young adults. He hopes that his students will take advantage of the opportunities offered at Newton High and knows that they will go on to do great things. 

“I hope that everybody has a great year,” Matile said. “I hope that they remember some simple core values of being respectful, being honest in their dealings with other people, being humble, showing gratitude and doing some hard work along the way.”