HORRY CO., SC (WBTW)- The first day of school in Horry County is less than a week away. It’s not just the first day for students, but for hundreds of new teachers as well.
278 new teachers will start this year at Horry County Schools, and for Matthew Perdue it’s his first year ever as a teacher.
He graduated with a masters in teaching from Coastal Carolina University, and will teach seniors government and economics at Carolina Forest High School.
“I’m new, you’re new to me. We’re going to start fresh. No matter your background, race, orientation, you’re going to learn in my classroom. I don’t want any kid to feel limited,” said Perdue.
Perdue said it’s because of his former teachers that he chose this career path.
“I had those two or three teachers that were a positive influence on me. They’re probably the reason I went to college in the first place,” said Perdue.
He wants to follow in their footsteps, and help students with personal development.
“We want them to score high on the test scores, but I also want them to grow as a person. I wanted to be that guy that helps a kid get to college and not just look at him as an athlete or a good farmer, what do you want to do? Let me help you get there,” said Perdue.
Even with pre school jitters setting up his classroom, Perdue remembers why he’s meant for this job.
“Those special moments that even I had in student teaching kind of solidified why I’m doing what I’m doing and they’re priceless moments,” said Perdue.
Horry County Schools start back on August 22nd.
