About Matt

Matt Newland (MAPP, MEd, BEd) is a year level leader and primary school teacher at Chinese International School where he is also on the positive education steering committee and on the positive education curriculum team. Matt is a member of the International Positive Psychology Association and the Positive Education Schools Association.

Matt has considerable experience in international education having taught in schools in Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. He holds a Masters of Education (specialising in leadership and administration) and a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology. Matt is a qualified mindfulness teacher trained by the Mindfulness in Schools Project (UK) in Paws b and .b, thus allowing him to teach mindfulness at both primary and secondary levels. His innovative classroom practices led him to become an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Google Certified Innovator.

Matt has presented his positive education research on how to successfully implement the principles of positive psychology into the school environment at the Positive Education Schools Association and at the Australian Conference in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing.

Trained by Professor Lea Waters as a Visible Wellbeing™ facilitator, Matt is currently embarking on research that looks at the correlations between levels of self-regulation and early childhood environments.

“Matt is passionate about positive education and committed to bringing greater wellbeing to students in schools. He cares deeply about the welfare of children and thoughtfully leverages the most recent research in positive psychology to impact the behaviour of parents and teachers. Equally comfortable with students, parents and educators, Matt is a superb resource for schools wishing to grow wellbeing in their communities.”

— Sarah Mclean – Head of Primary, Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School