Storytelling, engagement, humor, and direct messages to the bullied and the bullies--all come from Justin Matott during a school visit. His time with students fills the room with laughter all the way to a hushed silence where no one stirs. Students listen in rapt attention while Justin paints the visual of himself as a bullied child who eventually uses his wit and storytelling expertise to win over all bullies. Then the follow through - the message to all the bullies in the room, a challenge to them to just stop bullying. Beyond the bullying message, students sit entranced during the suspenseful story about theMan in the Woods. Several students thanked me for letting Justin Matott visit our school. One NEVER regrets letting Justin Matott visit.
Becky Cox, Digital Teacher Librarian, Westgate Elementary
March 2020
Thank you for coming to our school. Justin Matott is a great presenter. His high energy presentation inspired students to become writers, but also had a strong anti-bullying message. I hope we are able to book him again next year. We had Justin Matott come for an after school presentation, this was one of our highest attended events of the year. Students were so excited from the presentation during the day, that their parents had no choice but to bring them again after school. The writing workshops were just what we needed to add some life to our writing. I have had more students excited about writing and excited to share their writing than I have ever had in my 12 years in administration. I would encourage all schools to take advantage of this opportunity. Thanks again for all you do for children. You are an inspiration. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.
Willard Tucker, Principal at Milliken Elementary School, March 2020
Justin is a master storyteller who captivates his audience with his opening sentence. Students never tire of his animated stories and engaging presence. His outstanding workshop model with students enables them to write coherent and focused pieces of writing with style and voice. Justin is a must-have presenter for your school!
Peggy Griebenow, Principal Palmer Lake Elementary, January 2020
"I'm so happy Justin was invited to our school! His presentation was delicious. As an adult, I was cracking up just as much, if not more than,the kids while he spun his stories about growing up.
My personal life has been so stressful lately, that I told the kids that all the laughter we experienced during Justin's presentation was excellent humor therapy. We were still chuckling as we talked about him later in the classroom.
I love the idea that his stories carry morals. I plan on making a lesson around his books this summer, and once the kids come back in the fall, we will be talking about bullies and how to combat mean kids.
Thank you Justin!" A fifth grade teacher
THIS IS WHAT ONE GROUP OF TEACHERS HAD TO SAY AFTER MATOTT'S VISIT. MATOTT IS SCHEDULED TO GO BACK EACH YEAR AND WILL BE THERE IN NOVEMBER 2019.
Justin Matott comes to our school every year and sparks a love for writing
within our students that they never knew was there.
He is fun, engaging, and gives every student an amazing template
for writing their own story!
Jason Chesser
When Justin presents, they will cry because they are laughing so hard,
but then they will want to write!
And that's just the teachers.
Christie Cutshall
I love watching the children's expressions as Justin Matott tells his stories
- a mixture of amazement, shock,
and huge smiles cross their face at any given point in the story.
His storytelling is amazing!
Cathy Wagner
Justin has a way to get even the most reluctant writer excited about telling a story.
We invite him back every year and have to disappoint previous students
who want to come hear him again.
Tiffany Painter
"Mr. Matott was a very engaging presenter. He had students in stitches, while still reflecting on some deep messages about life and friendship.
Our participation for the evening event was higher than it has ever been, and we think the enthusiasm created by Mr. Matott was the reason."
Zak Martin, Principal - Vanderhoof Elementary
We can plan YOUR day to meet YOUR objectives by email or by phone.
Because I focus on both literacy and anti-bullying subjects there are grants and financial opportunities available to defray the school’s outlay.
There have been a few occasions where I have visited a Title One school that a grant was provided to pay for the visit AND a book for each student signed and personalized. If you are a Title One school and need assistance getting an author visit, I can work directly with you to help.
My Professional Fee for local school visits (within 40 miles of 80126) for a full day, including 2 assemblies and 2 workshops for $1200.
The most common day usually includes an assembly for 1-3 and then 4-6 and two workshops for the intermediate students by grade groups. I can handle any size workshop. I will be happy to stop by the Kindergarten room to speak briefly with those students if you prefer they not be in the assembly.
Additional assemblies and/or workshops are $275 each. The day can be adjusted to suit YOUR school's needs.
Minimum school visit includes the half day option includes:
two assemblies or one assembly and one workshop or two workshops and is $600.
Evening events are $500 and best performed after a daytime visit to the school.
For schools outside of the Denver metro area, the minimum is $1400 per day.
For schools outside Colorado the minimum is $1500 per day.
Travel expense at $0.75 per mile driven, round trip (mapquest from 80126 for mileage) and other expenses such as parking at airport paid by school district.
Schools pay lodging, travel expenses, and meals ) I prefer not to have school lunches please, after over 500+ school lunches in the past years I have to request non-school lunches. (Per diem for meals @ $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunches and $35 for dinners.
I have visited out of state locations for a week at a time, seeing numerous schools and being involved in literacy meetings and parent nights. This is good for a school district to pool resources to share expenses for travel and lodging.
Books ordered by students and staff prior to the school visit day will be supplied on the day of my visit.
Please see the calendar link on my website and select several dates which work for you and send your date requests by email request to me at justin@justinmatott.com
