I visit schools all over the country with fast, interactive presentations that get kids laughing, reading, and thinking about collaboration and neurodiversity.
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After visiting 400+ elementary and middle schools, I’ve learned how to make author visits fun for students and easy for schools to organize. My sessions combine storytelling, live drawing, and lots of audience participation-- so students leave inspired and engaged.
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Simple to organize. Powerful for students.


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​Swipe below to see some of the presentations and workshops I offer... ​

Creative Collaboration in Comics!
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I guide students through how graphic novels are made— focusing on the collaborative process that makes the final work stronger than any one creator could achieve alone.

 Then we move onto either:
a live drawing/storytelling activity,
or an activity where students collaborate on their own comics.
Session Length 
45mins to 1hr

Age Range
2nd to 8th Grade
presentation tailored to
​age group and time

 Strength in Learning Differences!
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I share my journey from struggling dyslexic student to published author! Highlighting how our differences are our greatest strengths.
 
With student suggestions, I illustrate a scene while explaining how to turn perceived failures into success-- advocating for our own needs, and accepting help when needed. 
Session Length
45 mins to 1hr

Age Range 
3rd – 8th Grade 
presentation tailored to
​age group and time

 

Spotlight on Lumberjackula!
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For younger students we'll take a basic look at how a graphic novel comes together using images from a book called Lumberjackula that I made with Sam Owen. We'll talk about being a team player and being okay with mistakes in our art.  

With student suggestions, I'll draw a hybrid/ mash-up character like Lumberjackula.
Session Length 
25 to 30 mins

Age Range
Pre-K to 2nd Grade
presentation tailored to
​age group and time

Writing Workshops

I love sharing my passion for creative writing with kids and adults alike.
​I’ve taught creative writing at the college level and can customize a workshop to fit your group’s needs.
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Age Range: 4th-12th grade
Session Length: grade-level dependent.
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​Rates

Full Day 
$1975
Half Day
$995
I would love to work with your school to schedule my visit as you see best fit. I offer full or half day visits. During a full day visit, I'm happy to fit in as many presentations as you like throughout your entire school day. For half days, I split session into either AM (first bell until 11:30am) or PM (12:30pm until last bell).

To keep things simple, there is no additional costs for hotel, airfare, rental car, mileage, food, or any other travel expenses. 

I'm happy to offer discounts to districts looking to book multiple visits in the same week. 
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"His candor and vulnerability opened our eyes to neurodiversity and helped us all realize that anything is possible with the right types of supports and motivation.-- I think we can all agree the most impactful part of the assembly was when students shared with Mat their own struggles and how much his words resonated with them. There wasn’t a dry eye from any of the teachers in the room. It was a very special day and we are incredibly grateful for Mat coming to speak to us!"

Jodie Cohen

MS Principal-
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MA

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​"His presentation was so engaging for students and such a masterful mix of character education, inclusion education, literacy, art, and fun!  It's rare that we find such an enriching assembly program that feels like it will truly make our students better people.  It's also rare that we find a presenter whose talent and heart shine through his work with students in such a humble manner. "

Sheila Buck

Elementary Principal
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NJ

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"Mat’s talk about strengths that come from neurodiversity was very successful with starting conversation among my mostly neurotypical classroom. His ease and humor interjected throughout the presentation had kids hanging on his every word. I would recommend having Mat in your classroom to anyone! At every stage of our processes, he’s been thoughtful, organized, and a delight. " ​

Mary Dunlop

Elementary Teacher
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NY

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 "Mr. Heagerty’s enthusiasm is quite contagious. His time with my students even inspired two different pairs of students to collaborate on larger comic book stories together."

Jennie Waskey

K-8 Librarian ​
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CA

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​“Mat was incredibly energetic and engaging for our students. Many of our students left the presentation wishing they could spend even more time learning about writing from Mat or wanting to start writing their own comics right away. What I really admired was that he took the time to connect with students were also dyslexic. I could tell that interaction was meaningful and inspiring to them.”

Laura Peura ​

Elementary Librarian
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MA

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"His message about the importance of using your challenges and turning them into strengths was powerful and timely. Many students were able to make personal connections about the message he shared. Mat kept the large range of students from grades 5-8 entertained and engaged throughout the entire presentation. The highlight of the day was using audience participation and watching Mat create a unique character right in front of us! Make sure you have a selection of books available in the library because there will surely be a run on them when he leaves! We would gladly welcome Mat back any time!"

Sara Murray

MS Librarian
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WA

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"In past years, we have had authors visit who place a cap on the amount of presentations they allow in a day. Mr. Heagerty was not only willing to meet with six classrooms, he did it with an infectious energy, adapting two different talks to fit each teacher’s desire. Students loved his comic team up project-- which the results were very entertaining."

Laurel Hutch

Elementary Principal
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CO

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Not just best author visit our school has ever had, best presenter period. Both students and the staff loved having him. Highly, highly, highly recommend.

Jerry Barnes

K-8 Principal
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TX

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Have something else in mind? I’m happy to design a
​presentation or workshop tailored to you and your students.
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    ​​GET YOUR SCHOOL VISIT SCHEDULED TODAY :)
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