Dawson Spotlight: Matsuko Freeman
Have you met Ms. Matsuko Freeman yet? Ms. Freeman is currently the Dean of Student Success. Get to know her through this Q & A written by Dawson Middle School students, and watch what happens in her eighth-grade advisory in the video.
How long have you been a teacher (or employee at Dawson)?
I have been a part of the Dawson community for more than 17 years.
What convinced you to start your teaching career?
When my first grandchild was born, I left a career corporate America and went into teaching.
Where did you start teaching?
I started my teaching career at the pre-school where my grandchild was attending in Los Angeles.
What's your favorite part about teaching and helping kids?
Watching them grow educationally, emotionally, and physically.
What is one of your favorite parts about being at Dawson?
The Dawson community of teachers, administrators, all of the staff, and the students.
How would you describe the work culture at Dawson?
It’s the best. We all have days that may not be great, but I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.
What motivates you to stay at Dawson?
Everything. The family feeling we have here, and of course, the students.
Why do you like teaching students in a fun and engaging way?
This is the most important thing to me - to see the students “get it!” Any way that we can help them accomplish this, I’m game to try it.
What is one of your favorite things about seeing our students grow throughout the year?
Think about how they start the year … then, see how the impact of a year of learning and growing has changed them.
How does Dawson benefit you?
It gives me energy, it gives me purpose, it brings me joy.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
The Alexander Dawson School
The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, an independent school located on 33-acres in the community of Summerlin, is Nevada’s first Stanford University Challenge Success partner school for students in early childhood through grade eight. Utilizing the unique Challenge Success framework, Dawson uses research-based strategies and programs that emphasize student academics, wellbeing, and a healthy school-life balance to create more engaged, motivated, and resilient learners and leaders. At Dawson, students achieve their individual potential while savoring life and meeting the challenges of the world.