Matt Cheek is the Executive Director of the Nashville Teacher Residency. Hejoined the team in 2019 as Manager of Resident Development, was promoted to Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships in 2021, and became Executive Director in 2022. As a leader, Matt is guided by optimism, creativity, and joy. He believes every voice matters and that the work is strongest when rooted in collaboration and joy. In his role, he leads the NTR team, ensuring staff are supported and equipped to do their best work. He sets the vision for the organization, drives strategic planning, and oversees organizational management, operations, external partnerships, and fundraising.
Matt began his career as a Teach For America corps member in Lake City, South Carolina, teaching middle school social studies. He later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he worked as a Gifted and Talented Instructional Coach for Knox County Schools, supporting teachers in meeting the needs of gifted learners. During that time, he advocated for greater access to gifted programming for students of color and other historically underrepresented groups.
Outside of NTR, Matt serves on the boards of Teach for America Nashville-Chattanooga, the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance, PIVOT School Improvement Leaders, and the Clemson University Alumni Association of Nashville. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville.
