When Matthew Montanez, ’27, walked into the Russell, Hart, and Rayburn congressional office buildings earlier this month, he did so not just as a college student — but as Connecticut’s advocate for health and physical education.
A junior in Southern Connecticut State University’s Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program, Montanez represented the state at SHAPE America’s 2026 Speak Out! Day in Washington, D.C. There, 145 advocates from 40 states met with members of Congress to push for continued federal funding that supports school health and PE programs.
Montanez met with representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and Representatives Jim Himes and John Larson, speaking directly with Larson during the day of meetings.
“The biggest takeaway for me was realizing my voice holds power,” Montanez said. “Even as a student, I can advocate for change.”
That confidence is rooted in his background. Montanez served seven years in the Connecticut Army National Guard, including two tours and service during the COVID-19 pandemic. He credits the military with shaping his leadership mindset: if you want change, step into it.
He didn’t initially plan to attend college. After high school, he joined the Guard, unsure of his academic path. But while working as a school security officer at Sandy Hook Elementary School and volunteering in youth education at his church, he began to see the impact he could have on students.
At Southern, Montanez chose the PETE program — drawn to its K–12 pathway — and quickly discovered that physical education is about far more than movement.
“PE activates the brain,” he said. “It supports students mentally and helps them absorb more knowledge.”
Now planning to graduate in 2027, Montanez says representing Southern on Capitol Hill was both personal and purposeful — part of a larger commitment to strengthening public education for all students.
How did you learn about SHAPE America’s Speak Out! Day, and what motivated you to apply?
MM: I learned about SHAPE America’s Speak Out! Day through my professor, Dr. Bob Knipe, who is a passionate advocate for physical education and a board member of SHAPE America. Dr. Knipe has been a mentor to me since I first took his class (HMS 291) in Fall 2024, which is when I first learned about Speak Out.
It wasn’t until I took a leap of faith and attended SHAPE America’s national convention in Baltimore in 2025 that I truly understood the scope and impact of the organization. Experiencing the energy, enthusiasm, and passion of thousands of physical education professionals was inspiring. While in Baltimore, Dr. Knipe hosted a student summit where he shared his personal story and journey in the field. Hearing why he does what he does made me reflect on my own path and ask myself: How involved could I really become?
For those unfamiliar, why is Title IV, Part A funding so important for health and physical education? What are some of the biggest challenges facing health and PE programs right now?
MM: Title IV, Part A is essential because it supports the whole child. It provides schools with flexible funding to invest in well-rounded education, student health, and positive learning environments — and physical education plays a critical role in all three.
Through my work in education and coaching, I’ve seen firsthand how movement impacts focus, behavior, and the way students process information. Physical and mental health are deeply connected to academic success.
One of the biggest challenges facing health and PE programs today is inconsistent funding and competing priorities. Although PE is recognized under ESSA, many programs still operate with limited staff, outdated equipment, and minimal resources.
Access to professional development is another major challenge, which is why Title II funding is also important. Title II allows educators to continue learning, refining instruction, and implementing inclusive, standards-based practices. If we want strong programs, we must invest in the educators delivering them.
There are also growing concerns about efforts to disband the Department of Education and shift responsibilities entirely to the states. While local control may sound positive, not every state has informed leadership prepared to effectively manage and distribute these funds. That could create even greater inconsistencies nationwide.
At the end of the day, Title IV ensures health and PE are not treated as extras. When paired with Title II, it helps build sustainable programs that support students physically, mentally, and academically — something every child deserves.
Was there a moment when you knew Southern was the right fit for you? Why do you believe physical education is such an important part of a student’s development?
MM: I knew Southern was the right fit for two main reasons.
First was the Veterans Center. As a veteran, I immediately felt at home there. It became my first real community on campus, and I received incredible support and guidance from Britt Conroy, the coordinator of Veteran, Military, and Adult Learning.
Second was the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program itself. The program provides a high-quality education and faculty who are respected leaders in their fields. What truly sets it apart, though, is the cohort model. We move through the program together, taking classes as a group and growing alongside one another. It creates a built-in community of future colleagues and lifelong friends. As someone who is emotionally driven, those communities confirmed that Southern was the right place for me.
I believe physical education plays a powerful role in student development because we are not just teaching movement — we are teaching confidence, resilience, and belief in oneself. In PE, students learn how to overcome challenges, support others, and keep showing up even when something feels difficult. Those lessons extend far beyond the gym.
Some of the most meaningful moments for me have been watching students shift from “I can’t” to “I did.” Helping students develop confidence is one of the greatest gifts we can offer, and that confidence shapes not only stronger students, but stronger, more resilient humans.
When you think about representing Southern on Capitol Hill, what parts of your journey feel most meaningful?
MM: The growth I’ve experienced through this journey has been immense. I’ve networked with passionate physical educators from across the country, gained a deeper understanding of how politics affects our field, and discovered more clearly who I am as an educator.
Most meaningful of all was realizing that my voice has potential for impact — even when I underestimate it. Not just for my students, but for colleagues, administrators, and decision-makers.
My key takeaway is this: what educators do truly matters. Never take for granted the opportunity to change and inspire a child’s life. And for everyone — never be afraid to speak up for what you believe in. Passion can move mountains.
How do you plan to continue this advocacy work once you’re back on campus? What does success look like for you as a future physical educator?
MM: I plan to continue advocating on campus by educating and inspiring my peers — showing them what advocacy can accomplish and how it impacts both individuals and communities. I also want to advocate more broadly for the future of education as a whole.
For me, success as a physical educator means translating the skills taught in the gym into every classroom and environment my students enter. I envision a system where physical education supports learning across disciplines — where movement enhances academic growth and character development.
I believe when we lead with movement, connection, and belief in our students, we create more than strong learners — we create confident, resilient individuals prepared to thrive in the world.
That begins with me as an educator, always putting my students’ growth and well-being first.
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Montanez says one of the most important reasons he knew Southern was the right fit was his cohort — a word he says hardly captures the bond they share.
Before the start of this academic year, he faced a life-altering decision: remain in the military and deploy overseas with his unit, or stay home to finish his degree. The deciding factor was his classmates.
“For the past three years, we’ve spent every day together — in every class — sharing smiles, sweat, laughs and tears,” Montanez said. “We’ve hosted movie nights, sports nights, dinners. We even started our own recreational softball team. ‘Cohort’ isn’t the right word. We’re a tribe. This is my tribe.”
That sense of community has been especially meaningful in recent days. On Feb. 27, the cohort lost one of its classmates, Jake Seco, a fellow student and co-president alongside Montanez.
“Jake was a bundle of joy who brought smiles to everyone he encountered,” Montanez said. “Through his passing, our tribe has come together again to support one another during an incredibly difficult time.”
Now more than ever, Montanez says, he is reminded that Southern is more than a university — it is a home away from home.
