Matthew Woods is the Host of the Leading Out The Woods Podcast & NAMLE Board Member
What do you do?
Dr. Matthew Woods is a K-12 educator in Virginia. His professional experience includes being a high school social studies teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, middle school principal, director of student support services, adjunct professor, field instructor for student-teachers, keynote speaker, and educational consultant. Additionally, Dr. Woods hosts a K-12 podcast, Leading Out The Woods, and is the author of #Digital PD for Educators, and the children’s book series, “I Wanna Be…”.
What is your latest work or project in media literacy?
Matthew recently released a new book, #Digital PD for Educators. It’s an interactive guide helping educators use social media and digital platforms to increase their professional capacity and development.
Why is media literacy important to you?
In my opinion, media literacy is a foundational skill for everybody. Regardless of age and background, media literacy is essential for people to decipher what they are reading/hearing/seeing, and be able to analyze it. The media has a large influence over our decision-making and formation of ideas, so it is critical that we all know how to interpret what is being presented to us every day.
What are you most excited about in the media literacy field?
The fact that more and more people are starting to pay attention to what is being presented to them in the media and fact check.
Why did you become a NAMLE member, what benefits do you see to membership, and how will it support your work?
I became a NAMLE member (and subsequent board member) because I believe we all should all do our part to ensure that media literacy is promoted and addressed in our daily lives and profession.
The views and opinions expressed in the M-Passioned Member blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NAMLE or its members. The purpose of the M-Passioned Member blog is to highlight our members and give them a place to share their reflections, opinions, and ideas.