Matthew Buchanan is the Director of Teaching and Learning in Key School. He joined CDS in 2006. He is trained in Orton Gillingham Multisensory Language Training & Multisensory Mathematics. 

Matthew is former Team Leader and multisensory math teacher for the 5th grade at Key. In recent years he received his credentialing as a national trainer in Multisensory Math, and he has conducted presentations at national dyslexia conferences. 

Get to know Matthew Buchanan:
 
In what ways can you teach/engage children at CDS that you couldn't at other schools? “At CDS I feel a level of freedom to explore a diversified curriculum including more multisensory and application driven approaches to traditional topics.”
 
What do you like most about your job at CDS? “My happiness with my position at CDS stems from the supportive and driven faculty, the helpful and dedicated parents, and most importantly the respectful and determined students.”
 
In your opinion, how does the CDS community inspire students to be courageous and curious, wonder about things that they don’t understand, try new things, and develop individual passions? “The CDS community inspires students through creative and exploratory curriculum design and the follow through application of such.”
 
How would you describe your classroom? “My classroom is one in which each student feels free and comfortable to express appropriate ideas and theories without the fear of judgment.”
 
What books and authors inspire you? “Zero and Alpha and Omega by Charles Seife are two of my favorite books which describe the origin of the idea of the number zero and the possible beginning and end of the universe, respectively. These inspire me in my teaching by allowing for questioning of everything and providing a possible answer to all.”
 
How would you describe yourself and/or your approach to your job in 10 words or less? “I would describe my approach as systematic yet exploratory.”
 
Which classroom projects/events are you known for? “My most influential classroom project is the creation of a math dictionary which provides a valuable resource for each and every student as they move through their educational journey.”
 
What personal passion brings balance to your life? “My personal passion is fly fishing.”
 
How is CDS different from what you experienced as a child in school? “When I reflect on CDS compared to my own education, I see a more dedicated, compassionate, and caring faculty that truly cares for and takes an interest in each individual student. The ability to give this individualized attention with great expertise sets CDS apart from any educational institution that I have ever experienced.”