When I was in second grade, my classmate's dad visited to read from the most recent book he'd written. It was author Andrew Clements (Frindle). The experience was honestly life-changing for me, and opened me up to the possibility of writing as a profession. Now as an author myself, it's one of my favorite things to spread my passion for creating stories and comics with kids!
During the 2023-2024 school year I visited over a 160 schools while on an RV road trip across the US and I'll be doing visits full-time for the 2024-2025 school year as well.
During the 2023-2024 school year I visited over a 160 schools while on an RV road trip across the US and I'll be doing visits full-time for the 2024-2025 school year as well.
Creative Collaboration in Comics!
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I walk students through the basic process of how I get graphic novels made, from conception, to pitch, to finished book! The main focus is on how I collaborate with so many talented folks to make books better than I could ever possibly make on my own.
The fast-paced, interactive presentation will then move on to one of two activities depending on size of group and school wants. Either a live drawing and storytelling activity I will lead students in, or an activity where students will collaborate to write and draw their own comics in a truly unique way! We’ll end our session with a Q&A! |
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! In this session, we’ll talk about how our differences are our greatest strengths.
With the help of student suggestions, I will illustrate a scene while talking about the importance of being okay with failure, advocating for our own needs, and accepting help when needed. We'll end with a Q&A that often evolves into a fun discussion or chance for students to proudly share their differences with the group. |
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/ mass-up character like Lumberjackula for students. Depending on school wants we will end with a Q&A. I recommend students prepare questions before the session if possible. |
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 love of creative writing with both kids & adults. I've taught
creative writing at the college level, and can tailor a workshop to fit your group’s needs!
Age Range: 4th-12th grade
Session Length: grade-level dependent.
creative writing at the college level, and can tailor a workshop to fit your group’s needs!
Age Range: 4th-12th grade
Session Length: grade-level dependent.
Rates
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Full Day
$1850 |
Half Day
$950 |
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).
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.
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- MA "I would highly recommend Mat for a middle school presentation. My 6th grade ELA class learned how to create a panel for a graphic novel, thanks to Mat's presentation. Mat focused on collaboration as a guiding principle in his work. After maybe 30 minutes of presentation on the steps it takes to create a novel, the presentation really took flight once students started creating. Students made their own illustrated panels, collaborating with others by working in a sequence and passing their panels down the line. Four students worked to complete each panel. This dovetailed really nicely into Mat's theme - it's the collaboration that matters as much as the artistic ability or story creation."
Susie Becker - MS Librarian - CA "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 – NY "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 - CA |
"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 - NJ “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 – MA "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!"
Sarah Murphy, MS Librarian, MA "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 – NY |
