Matthew Gonzales, Ph.D. joined Yonkers Public Schools in August 2022, serving as Executive Director of Inquiry, Social Studies & Sciences. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent of Schools Anibal Soler, Jr, the Board of Education appointed him Assistant Principal of the Robert Halmi, Sr. Academy of Film & Television, effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Gonzales has been playing piano for as long as he can remember, and has been educating communities since 1999. He began his career in education as a music educator, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education in 1999, a Masters in Instrumental Music Education in 2004 and a PhD in Educational Leadership in 2012. His dissertation focused on leadership in International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and non-Diploma Programme schools.

As a music educator, Dr. Gonzales directed beginning and advanced musical ensembles (Bands, Choirs, and Jazz Ensembles) in a public school in the Detroit (MI) area. During his ten years as a teacher, Dr. Gonzales tripled the size of the music program and, using donations, built a modest recording studio for the school. Matt also taught IBDP Theory of Knowledge (an introduction to philosophy) and IBDP Music. In addition to teaching at a high school, Matt also taught a graduate-level action research course at Oakland University.

In 2009, Dr. Gonzales became an administrator and IB Middle Years/Diploma Programme Coordinator. As an administrator, he has supervised Science and Social Studies teachers in grades 6-12. In 2013, Matt moved to New York, continuing his work as a school administrator. During his tenure as an administrator, Matt created and led professional development sessions on standards-based assessment, assessing for learning, project-based learning, differentiation, concept-based teaching, student data analysis, and using frameworks to discuss high-quality teaching and learning.

During his time working in New York, Matt helped to start a school in Shanghai, China.  He enjoys supporting school communities on their journeys towards student-centered agency-empowered instruction. Matt is thrilled to be part of the Robert Halmi, Sr. Academy of Film & Television!