Known for his rigorous math courses and leadership in the Student Prayer Group, Mr. Matthew McDermit has been a pillar at Bellefonte for 21 years. His passion for math and his students has shown in his work, leading many students to a successful high school math career.

Mr. McDermit was hired at Bellefonte High just two days before the 2005-2006 school year started, where he taught Integrated Math, Algebra I, and Algebra II. and has stuck with Bellefonte ever since. He now teaches Applied Mathematics, Honors Algebra II, and Honors Pre-Calculus. 

“I am beyond blessed with great classes and even better students,” Mr. McDermit said. Luckily, even with such short notice to start he had the support of the math department behind him. Next year, he will switch to teaching AP Pre-Calculus in place of Honors Pre-Calculus. 

Mr. McDermit received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Mathematics from Lock Haven University, after transferring from Slippery Rock University. He recalls being influenced to teach math by a former Trigonometry/Calculus teacher and “coach” of his.

“He impacted me in a way that made me want to be that kind of person in the lives of my students,” Mr. McDermit said. His first teaching experience was at Bald Eagle and Central Mountain as a student teacher. Mr. McDermit has successfully continued his teacher’s legacy.

“He cares so much about his students, and always goes above and beyond the call of duty to help them understand and succeed,” Junior Emma Ranio said. She has taken both Honors Algebra II and Honors Pre-Calculus with him, two of his most challenging courses. Even with all the hard work he makes her do, Emma still finds him to be “one of the most encouraging, humorous, and kind-hearted teachers.”

Mr. McDermit is also the leader of the Student Prayer Group. He started attending the morning meetings when he first began teaching at Bellefonte, and eventually took on the head role when the original leader, Ruth Jackson, left.

If you are going to take a class with Mr. McDermit warns you that in order to succeed you must “do the ‘optional’ daily grind, and you must not do shoddy algebra.” However, find excitement and comfort in that you are learning from a teacher with a passion for what he does.