Matt Feeler finds himself back at the school, not as a student but as a teacher. This year, Feeler teaches Introduction to Business and Marketing, and encouraging academic growth in his classroom is one of his primary goals

As a TPHS alum from the class of 2016, Feeler began his career in the real estate business, graduating from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Business Management. He returned to Torrey Pines, coaching the football team for the next 7 years; during this time, he grew an interest in teaching at the school.

His passion for football and teaching began when he was “inspired by the movie Remember the Titans.”

“As a very little kid, I understood the impact that [the coach] had on [student athletes] lives, and that inspired me quite a bit,” Feeler said.

As an educator and coach, he finds passion in sharing his knowledge with others and serving as a role model. He aims to provide the support that students need to grow into their own success through his classes.

“I got into education because I enjoy working with the young and rising professionals, and I enjoy having a [positive] impact on the students,” Feeler said.

Outside of teaching, Feeler finds joy in playing golf and fishing.

“Those are two of my favorite things [and I love] spending time with my fiance,” Feeler said.

While one can always choose to spend their time at a desk job, Feeler moved away from his established career to a more personally meaningful one.

“Teaching business is pretty special,” Feeler said. “I think it’s an opportunity [to take a business class that] I wish I had as a student.”

Not everyone in Feeler’s classes will eventually go into a business-related profession, but he finds that the concepts taught in business can aid students in other career paths.

“No matter what field and what interest you have, I believe that you can find an applicable resource in business and eventually maybe tie [it to] something,” Feeler said. “Learning those skills within business and marketing in general, I think, can really give [students] a foot ahead in so many different areas.”

Feeler believes that time management in high school sets one up for success, even when students have their plates loaded with harder classes and intensive extracurriculars.

“Just take advantage of your time, it’s more valuable than you think,” Feeler said. “Torrey Pines is a very special place, with amazing teachers, amazing faculty and there’s a lot to learn … there’s a lot of people that can teach you lessons beyond just the academic side.”