When the new school year begins, students often visit the rooms of their favorite former teachers to say hi and check in. However, for those visiting room A202 this year looking for Mr. Perekupka, he is not to be found. No, he is not absent. Instead, he has been promoted, which means both his room and his role within the school has changed.

Mr. Matt Perekupka is the new Director of Science and STEM for the Cinnaminson School District after previously teaching chemistry and other science-related subjects  for the past 19 years. 

Perekupka said he was ready for a change and claimed this job would be the way he fulfilled that desire. 

“I was ready for a new challenge, something to take the next step, and have my hands in all levels of science and education throughout the district, and that’s what drove me to that position,” Perekupka said.

When Mr. Edward Palmer, the former science supervisor, announced his retirement, Perekupka initially thought by taking his position, he would still be able to teach classes alongside taking on the new role. However, upon realizing he would have to choose one or the other, he knew that he wanted to make a bigger impact on science than just teaching. 

As director, Perekupka said he plans to incorporate more science fairs, assemblies at the younger levels, and even magic shows to promote science.

“I feel like I’m in a position now where I could leave a mark,” Perekupka said. “So if I’m able to help the science curriculum and science throughout the district, have students a little more excited about taking science, increase the level of students we have in STEM and science related activities, and provide opportunities for them to grow in science, that would make me happy.” 

Perekupka, however, admits his new job is not the same as his old one and came with some new changes and challenges.

“It’s new for me to pop into other people’s classrooms. I always thought of the classroom as the teacher’s space, and I sometimes feel like I’m invading their space when I go into their classroom,” Perekupka said. “But I have to get over that because I’m there to support. I want teachers to know that I’m not there doing an inspection; I’m there to help them, and see all the great things they are doing.”

Despite the change in position and responsibilities, Perekupka is embracing his new role. 

“With any new job, there’s going to be nerves, and it’s a change, but it’s a good change, I’m liking the new challenge.”

While he likes the new challenges, Perekupka admits he misses his connections with students.

“Yes, I miss teaching a lot, I miss the connections I had with the students. It is definitely strange starting a school year without rosters of students to get to know and have an impact on their lives. I definitely miss that aspect,” Perekupka said. “The day to day is way different, but still rewarding.”

Perekupka said he travels to all four buildings in the district on a daily basis, making his schedule less flexible.

“I move around a lot, I am in all four buildings mostly everyday, but if they ever need me, I can usually be found in E261, which is my office. If I’m not there, I can be reached via email, and I will gladly set up the time to meet if I’m not available,” Perekupka said about students who need assistance and/or want to say hi. 

Perekupka said he looks forward to still being an active member of the CHS community and is grateful for the chance to grow in his new role.