Dr. Matthew Woods has taken on the role of Deputy Superintendent of Instruction and Leadership Services at Berkeley County Schools, as part of a restructuring initiative by Superintendent Ryan Saxe. This new position aims to streamline responsibilities across education, athletics, and staff leadership.
With 16 years in education, Woods has held various positions including high school social studies teacher, assistant principal at middle and high schools, middle school principal, director of student support services, assistant superintendent of student support services, adjunct professor, and field instructor for student-teachers.
Despite initially not wanting to pursue a career in education due to witnessing his mother’s hard work as a teacher, an encounter during a grocery shopping trip changed his perspective. Seeing the impact his mother had on her students inspired him to become a teacher himself. “I never saw someone who looked at my mom that way,” Woods said. “I wanted to have the same effect.”
Woods is familiar with the Martinsburg area and was keen to join Berkeley County Schools when the opportunity arose. He began his new role on April 28, which allows him time to learn about the community and identify needs among staff and students. His main goal is to build relationships within the community and understand what can be done to promote growth among students.
“I firmly believe that every child can succeed,” Woods stated. “I want to find out what we are doing to promote growth in all kids and what we are doing to make that child a better person.”
Woods aims to unite various voices within the school district under a cohesive vision for its future alongside Superintendent Ryan Saxe.
