Social Studies and Government teacher Matt Commons also serves his community in the Indiana State House of Representatives. Photo credit: WFYI Indianapolis

Many outstanding educators have also served their communities in political office. One of these is Matt Commons, a secondary school teacher who also serves in the Indiana State House of Representatives.

Matt was born in Bedford, Indiana. After his high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. There he served five years, from 2009 to 2014, as an Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division. He completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and received a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained in combat during his second tour there. He sustained his injuries when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and lost his right leg.

Once he earned his honorable discharge, Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education from Purdue University in 2018. He earned his Master’s degree in History from Liberty University. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Administration from Indiana State University.

Matt inaugurated his career as an educator at his high school alma mater, Seeger Memorial High School in West Lebanon, Indiana, where he has taught Social Studies and Government since 2018. He also served as an Assistant Coach for the varsity football team.

In 2024, Matt was elected on the Republican ticket to represent his state’s 13th District. The District includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe, and White counties. He was sworn into office in 2024, and will serve until 2026. He is currently running for re-election. In the State House, Matt serves on the House Local Government Committee; the Natural Resources Committee; and the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. He declares he is also greatly interested in issues that relate to education.