Argyle ISD is proud to announce Matthew Woody of Argyle High School as this year’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, recognizing his exceptional commitment to student thinking, academic excellence, and lasting impact beyond the classroom.

In a world increasingly driven by shortcuts and outsourced thinking, Woody’s teaching philosophy centers on a simple but powerful belief: the most important role of a teacher is to protect and develop a student’s ability to think for themselves.

Woody has built a classroom environment defined by genuine intellectual challenge. Through Socratic seminars and real-world debate, he ensures that every student, regardless of background or ability, can find their voice, contribute meaningfully, and defend their ideas with clarity and confidence. This approach has led to outstanding academic outcomes, including pass rates that rival those of the state's highest-performing campuses.

His influence extends far beyond test scores. Students from his classroom have gone on to pursue new academic interests sparked under his instruction, including minors in disciplines they first discovered in his course. His debate program has achieved state-level success, earning a state championship title and establishing a culture of excellence rooted in preparation, confidence, and critical thinking.

Perhaps just as significantly, Woody has helped shape the broader school community. He played a key role in developing a multicultural festival that now represents more than 45 countries and regions, growing into one of the district’s most visible celebrations of diversity, identity, and global awareness.