For the past 10 years, Beth Matz has been a Speech Language Pathologist teacher at Kellybrook Elementary School in Liberty, Missouri. She has continually gone above and beyond to ensure all of her students feel welcomed, loved and appreciated as soon as they walk in her classroom by creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, accompanied by her gracious smile. For her dedication and service to teaching, Matz is recognized as the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for the month of May.
Before settling at Kellybrook Elementary, Matz’ career as a Speech Language Pathologist was kickstarted at various public schools in Wisconsin, Maine and eastern Missouri. Throughout her journey, she has worked with a variety of students who are facing many different and difficult challenges, ranging from producing an ‘R’ sound correctly, to struggling with social and vocabulary skills. She has always had a special place in her heart for enhancing the lives of her students and has continued to be blessed in many ways, both professionally and personally.
“My two most proud moments are seeing my three daughters pursue and complete their educations, and also receiving the Support Staff Employee of the Year award,” said Matz.
She says the ability to watch her students grow and mature at Kellybrook Elementary, coupled with working alongside so many incredible educators, makes teaching at her school a unique, fulfilling and wonderful experience.
Matz grew up around educators. Her father was a teacher and school principal, while her mother also worked in the education sector. This translated into a love and appreciation for teachers and helped springboard her interest in pursuing a similar type of career path.
“My dad always said, ‘Never hurry and don’t worry. You’re only here for a little while, so take the time to smell the flowers’,” said Matz.
It’s a piece of advice that resonated with her at a young age and is something she passes along to her students, as well. Additionally, Matz is constantly reminding them that you cannot succeed unless you try, meaning it is impossible to accomplish something you may view as difficult or challenging if you never give yourself an opportunity. Her support and optimistic outlook for her students is on display daily, as well as her approach to helping everyone become the best version of themselves.
“Instilling standards is so important, both in academics and in how you treat other people,” said Matz. “There has to be expectations in place in order to push yourself to be the best you can be. The most satisfying goals you reach are the ones you set for yourself.”
“My mother never fails to care deeply about every single student who she works with,” said Beth’s daughter and nominator, Caroline Matz. “She has spent most of her time in elementary schools, working to assess and treat speech, language, social and cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders. She has helped students improve lisps, articulation errors and so many other concerns that are impacting students. The fact that my mom is someone who helps students from such a young age overcome language difficulties is amazing. She changes lives and helps students to grow up and be more confident in themselves.”
“Beth’s ability and willingness to impact such a special group of students in the early stages of their education is heartwarming,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Her patience, compassion and loving personality is making an enormous difference in the lives of each student she educates. We’re thankful to have such inspiring teachers like Beth in our community, and her hard work and dedication should never go unnoticed. Congratulations on receiving this month’s Blue KC Sporting Samaritan award!”
Blue KC Sporting Samaritans will continue to be recognized monthly at Children’s Mercy Park during Sporting home games this season. Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.sportingkc.com/BlueKC.
