Matthew Wiggin

Middle School drama and public speaking teacher

College of Sante Fe, B.F.A.

Walking into Middle School drama and public speaking teacher Matthew Wiggin’s classroom feels less like entering a traditional learning space and more like stepping into a hub of creativity, vulnerability, and growth. As a middle school teacher passionate about public speaking and theater, Wiggin brings a refreshing approach to his classes, where there’s no right or wrong, only opportunities for students to explore and discover their individual voices.

“I love that what I teach is not black and white,” Wiggin said. “Each person gets to come from their own perspective and their own background. Each student really does grow a ton because we try to create a safe space for them to be vulnerable and screw up and be okay with messing up. I teach kids in my class that failing forward is important. You have to get up in front of the class and screw up 100 times. You have to practice a lot, and you have to try a lot.”

For Wiggin, the classroom is not just a place of instruction. Instead, it is a stage where students can shine, stumble, and, ultimately, flourish. He cherishes witnessing his students’ growth firsthand, noting, “I get to see some of their vulnerability. I get to see who they are oftentimes before they realize who they are, which is really fun.”

In his advanced public speaking class, Wiggin’s passion for empowering students shines through as he guides them through engaging lessons and projects. “Teaching them to come out of the page, teaching them not to read…how do you speak about something you’re passionate about and educate an audience without a script? How do you find your spot when you lose your spot?” he said excitedly. “I love the lesson I’m teaching in my advanced public speaking class. They do a KO talk, similar to a TED Talk.”

Beyond the technical aspects of public speaking, Wiggin is deeply invested in nurturing his students’ confidence and empathy. “What I hope my students gain from my class is that they start to become a little bit more confident, not just speaking in front of people, but confident in who they are,” he said. “Being vulnerable is not a weakness. Instead, sharing vulnerable stories and personal stories is actually showing strength.”

In Wiggin’s classroom, the focus isn’t solely on academic achievement but holistic growth and personal development. He encourages his students to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individuality by creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Outside of teaching, Mr. Wiggin finds joy in staying active through sports and pursuing his passion for travel. One project that is near and dear to his heart is helping his mother run her non-profit school in Ghana. His love for exploration and adventure mirrors his approach to education—embracing life’s diverse experiences and learning from each new journey.

One thing is clear. In his classroom, through his unwavering commitment to fostering growth, confidence, and empathy, he leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of all who enter it. Students don’t just learn here; they thrive.