Matt Rogge, an English teacher at Manitou Springs High School, turned in his resignation letter on March 8. He has several reasons.
“I decided not to pursue my teaching license,” said Rogge. “I feel like my life experiences and education have prepared me to be a valuable teacher.”
Rogge first came to MSHS in the transition period between 2019 and 2020. When the English teacher he was subbing for resigned, he filled in as a long-term substitute.
Later that year, he applied for the position.
Rogge taught the 2020-2021 school year on an emergency license. Then, during the 2021-2022 school year, with a “statement of assurance” with MSSD14, he began working toward a professional teaching license through an alternative licensure program. This was complicated by COVID-19 and a car accident, and led to Rogge’s decision to not pursue the professional teaching license.
It isn’t easy for Rogge to walk away.
“I’m hesitant to leave knowing that many students need more than what they are getting in school,” he said. “And I think I’ve been an important part of giving them that for the time I’ve been at MSHS.”
Although he is hesitant, this choice seems better for him as he doesn’t want to go through the training program.
“I ultimately realized that my time was more valuable than sitting in a classroom and listening to many lessons and material that I had previously learned and could teach myself,” said Rogge.
He believes this decision will give him more time to pursue what makes him happy.
“I’m back in the groove and feeling like anything is possible, literally,” said Rogge.
“I will continue to substitute teach, coach and do leadership consulting with various professional and education organizations,” he added. “I will probably have time to do more endurance racing events and go on a few more surf trips with friends and key people in my life.”
Nick Marro, a senior, is in Rogge’s Yearbook and English IV classes. He has built a strong relationship with Rogge, has learned a lot from him and values his presence.
“When it comes to Rogge, he is a good teacher but also a good person and mature figure,” Marro said. “It feels like he actually cares about you and the learning process you go through. A lot of teachers don’t have that.”
It’s evident that Rogge has left an impact on the students and touched their hearts. Marro believes that his absence will affect next year’s students, as Rogge is not being replaced.
“This will definitely affect next year’s students. Rogge has a certain style of teaching that is different than others,” Marro said, “focusing on ideals and a walk-through method of teaching focused on opinions instead of hard facts that you could simply find on the internet. Rogge had us dive deep into books, movies, articles, journals and global events, having no wrong answer. Rogge wanted us to dive into personal thought and morals.”
Marro feels that Rogge, the person, won’t be as easily replaced as the position is, as he teaches alternative methods to better the mind instead of the memory.
“What made Rogge special was he’s not a fill-in teacher. He’s not just here to read the curriculum and leave,” said Marro. “Mr. Rogge actually teaches and cares and deserves a lot more than what some would choose to give. He will be missed and taught me a lot.”
Jessica Moen, an English teacher and English Department chair, echoes Marro about the effect of Rogge’s resignation.
“I’m saddened by his upcoming absence because he’s such a nice individual,” Moen said. “He shows up for kids in a way that you don’t always see in a staff member. So I think he makes such strong connections on a personal level with students. We’re going to miss him a lot.”
Rogge has been a big part of the community in the last two and a half years, making many friendships with faculty and students. It seems inevitable that he will miss many things here, but he said that he’ll miss being there for others.
“Seeing everyone and hearing about their challenges and accomplishments and sharing in that will be what I miss most,” Rogge said.
Charlie Morgan
Junior
Editor’s note: This story was written for the Prospector, the MSHS campus newspaper. The topic is important to the community, and the Bulletin felt that this story and, we hope, others in future issues will help enlighten readers.