My name is Matt Nelson and I am an assistant principal at Westbrook High School. I am no stranger to the city of Westbrook. For the past six years, I have been the athletic/activities director at Westbrook High School and Wescott Junior High School.

Before coming to Westbrook, I was a guidance counselor at Bonny Eagle High School and the assistant director of admissions at Saint Joseph’s College. In each of these positions, I have enjoyed working closely with the administrative team and making a positive impact on kids and young adults. I obtained a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Southern Maine and my school administrator certification from the University of New England.

I began my career in higher education working to meet the needs of high school graduates who were interested in furthering their education. I enjoyed this position and helping kids find their passion and researching available opportunities. This position led me to becoming interested in becoming a high school guidance counselor. I was very much interested in career preparation and post-secondary opportunities for high school students.

I became aware of the athletic director opening while accompanying Bonny Eagle students on a tour of Westbrook Regional Vocational Center. Sports had always played an important role in my life, shaping the person I am today. I was familiar with Westbrook High School through my wife’s experience as a math teacher and coach. We were impressed, and continue to be impressed today, with the support that the Westbrook community has for academics and athletics. I applied for the position and was fortunate to become the athletic director for a school with such a rich tradition.

I enjoyed being the athletic/activities director in Westbrook and am proud of our success and many accomplishments. It is a huge responsibility and requires a deep commitment to manage all the different activities available to students today. I was able to have a front row seat and work with outstanding students, staff and parents on a daily basis on some of the best facilities in the state of Maine.

The athletic/activities director job can be very consuming, especially with a young family, but it was an experience I wouldn’t trade. I have always had aspirations to become an assistant principal. There were openings in the past but I didn’t feel I was ready both personally and professionally until recently. While taking a leader development program for experienced school administrators last year, I felt I was ready to make the transition to assistant principal. My family and I couldn’t be happier that I was able to make the change without leaving the high school. The Westbrook community has been very supportive and I am very appreciative. I am excited to be working with staff and students in a different role. I will be able to have more direct contact and interactions with staff and students.

I am looking forward to new challenges as education grows more complex and demanding as expectations for all students increase. I enjoy being part of an organized team approach to raise the aspirations of all students and help them to accept personal responsibility for their lives and be accountable for their actions. assistant principals are in a unique position to have an enormous impact on school culture and student achievement. I am looking forward to making a positive impact.

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