One of the challenges that many students face entering college is choosing a career path. And as technology rapidly advances, the options available are becoming even more diverse. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about one-third of college students change their major at some point. But for Matthew Kenslow ’24, his professional calling has always been clear.
“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in first or second grade; I had those passions inside of me. I remember playing school at home and teaching what my teachers taught,” he recollected. “I believe this is what God has called me to do.”
In addition to the fulfillment he gets from helping students develop a deep understanding of the curriculum, Kenslow believes he has a unique perspective in the classroom. As a person on the autism spectrum, he has learned how to use his experience to cater to students’ diverse needs. “I have first-hand experience of how learning can be difficult for some students. Of course, everyone’s unique and different,” he explained, “but there are also overarching themes that people with autism tend to have.”
Kenslow is embarking on a journey to educate students in a way that best serves them while “shining the light of Christ” wherever he goes. He seeks to create a classroom that feels like a safe space for learning and asking questions, where learning feels like an exciting opportunity rather than a burden.
While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and master’s in education at Vanguard, Kenslow has had the opportunity to explore different ways to engage with students. “I’ve learned a ton of things I didn’t know, like UDL, which is universal design for learning, SEL, social and emotional learning, and different ways to reach every student despite their background,” he said.
Kenslow’s hope is to use his experience to help students feel comfortable in the classroom and be an advocate to help them overcome challenges. One way he does this is by speaking at school assemblies throughout the Orange County School District. While sharing his experience and encouraging young students to persevere through trials, he uses juggling and magic tricks to illustrate his arguments.
Beyond his local community, Kenslow is a published author and an online influencer. His first book, Juggling the Issues: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome, was published in 2019. His second book, Unstoppable, was published in 2023 and explores his journey becoming a teacher with autism.
“Matthew’s latest book title captures his spirit and his mindset: Unstoppable,” said Jeff Hittenberger, Ph.D., dean of Vanguard’s School of Education. “Along his journey, many people underestimated Matthew’s capacity to be a teacher, but at Vanguard he found a community that believes everyone can fulfill their God-given calling. We call this ‘Education for Love and Wisdom.’ Matthew embodies that vision, and he is making a profound and life-empowering difference in the lives of the students he serves.”
Online, Kenslow has more than 1 million followers on Instagram, where he uses his platform to bring awareness to the experience of living with autism and encourages others to pursue their dreams despite their potential setbacks. “I hope [my advocacy] brings inclusion and people believing themselves, self-confidence, and [the encouragement] that people can do whatever they set their heart and mind to do, as long as it’s practical and attuned to God’s call,” he shared.