Honor Matt Jochmans: Support Panda Habitat

Matthew Jochmans was a man for whom the craft of being an educator seemed natural. He was a person of fellowship, who daily lessened the gaps, not just between his students and the content, but between the teachers and learners themselves. Through his professionalism, loyalty, profound warmth, and sense of humor, he leaves a lasting legacy and indelible marks on those that had the chance to work with and learn beside him. As a friend, as well as a teacher, he could be counted on for an unwavering support for our dreams and compassion in the face of our struggles, defiant against our self doubts and unfaltering in our defense against the doubts of others.

Matt was a person for whom service was an honor and selflessness a defining trait, dedicating himself to the conservation of our environment and to the care for other people. Matt practiced a commitment to education, learning and science, but also to the protection of the planet and the promotion of others before himself. Matt had a deep appreciation for the natural world and approached life with humility and awe for it.

It is in his spirit that we are hoping to honor and acknowledge the ethos of Mr. Jochmans, an exemplary person whose high moral character and enthusiasm for life were models to all who knew him. As anyone who knew Matt was aware, the panda bear was a figure that pervaded his classroom and became synonymous with him as a person. It is in his legacy that we hope to raise money to support the Giant Panda Habitat at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC.

If we meet our goal, not only will we be able to care for these animals that meant so much to Matt, but we will also be able to memorialize him and his legacy with a plaque dedicated to his memory at the entrance to the Panda Habitat.

Please consider donating to and honoring our friend, Matt.

To learn more about Matt Jochmans and the indelible mark he left on our lives, we invite you to read the following:

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/30/remembering-a-towson-teacher-who-changed-my-life-guest-commentary/

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/obituaries/matthew-jochmans-towson-high-school-T2FY4SSJ4JFJ5GGHVM5MKH5IC4/

https://deliberateexcellence.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/a-qa-with-a-leader-in-gifted-and-talented-education/