By: Claire Quigle

We hope you’re having a fantastic “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week, we would like you to meet alumnus Matt Degner (MA ‘08 Educational Policy and Leadership Studies and EdS ‘15 Educational Policy and Leadership Studies).

Originally from Traer, Iowa, Degner currently works as the interim superintendent for the Iowa City school district.

Degner loves his job because of the people he gets to work with, and the opportunity he gets to improve education.

“Public schools are the foundation of our democracy,” Degner says. “We can and have to be the promise for a better tomorrow. When we are trusted with this great responsibility we have to stay committed to excellence.”

The University of Iowa College of Education gave Degner a new perspective on leadership, and for that, he is very thankful.

“The University of Iowa helped cement a social justice focus in my leadership,” Degner says. “Our schools have to work for all and it is our job to improve in the areas where it does not and all of that starts with building a positive culture.”

Want to be the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday” or nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag us with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.