Becoming a Certified Teacher

After contacting the local school district and acing an interview, Matthew was asked to envision his ultimate classroom. This question led him to a unique opportunity: within weeks, he was standing in that very classroom, having secured a position as a certified teacher. The school district’s willingness to create an inclusive environment—where children were not segregated—meant that Matthew could implement his vision of a cohesive, integrated classroom where children with special needs were fully included and valued alongside their typically developing peers.

Matthew’s classroom was characterized by inclusivity and a focus on student-centered learning. His success with these children was rooted in the skills and approaches he had developed through his earlier work, including his hands-on experience with children with special needs.

Personal Life and Family

In 2002, Matthew married his wife (Alison) and became a stepfather to her three children, marking a significant personal milestone. Despite the busy demands of being a father and teacher, Matthew remained a strong mentor both at home and in the classroom. His ability to balance family and work demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of all the children in his life—whether at home or school.

When the family moved to Utah, Matthew briefly worked as a Neurodevelopmentalist before returning to teaching. This shift back to the classroom speaks to his passion for direct, hands-on teaching, and his belief in the power of inclusive education. Notably, Matthew's work in creating a classroom for special needs students at the local school demonstrates his initiative and vision—when there was no classroom for these students, he took it upon himself to work with the district to make it happen.

Specialized Training and Approach

Matthew’s training in various therapeutic approaches—such as TEACCH, PECS, ABA, and the MANDT system—furthered his expertise and made him an even more effective teacher. Here’s what each program entails:

• TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related Challenges): A structured teaching approach tailored for children with autism and related communication issues.

• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System): A communication system designed for non-verbal children, allowing them to use pictures to express their needs.

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): A method used to understand and improve behavior through systematic reinforcement strategies.

• MANDT System: A crisis intervention approach focused on de-escalation, prevention, and safe intervention techniques when a child’s behavior becomes a threat to themselves or others.

Matthew’s decision to embrace multiple approaches demonstrates his flexibility and commitment to finding the best methods to support his students. He didn’t limit himself to one approach, instead selecting the most effective parts of each program to provide a well-rounded education for his students.

Success through a Holistic, Student-Centered Approach

Matthew’s success in the classroom can be attributed to his common-sense approach and his focus on functional skills and quality of life. He didn’t believe in focusing solely on academic skills like memorizing numbers, especially for children with special needs, as that could be limiting and fail to address their broader developmental needs. Instead, his emphasis was on:

• Socialization and peer interactions: Measuring success by how students interacted with their age-appropriate peers.

• Self-help skills: Ensuring students gained important life skills that would serve them beyond the classroom.

• Positive home life: Understanding the importance of family and how the child’s home environment affected their overall development.

Matthew’s focus on practical, real-world outcomes for his students showed his understanding that success isn’t just measured by traditional academic standards but by how well a child can navigate the world around them.

A Compassionate, Holistic Educator

Matthew is described as a compassionate, patient, and understanding man, and it’s clear that these qualities have played a huge role in his success as a teacher. His ability to connect with students, parents, and colleagues has earned him the respect and confidence of everyone around him. His belief in inclusion and his rejection of the idea that a child should be confined to rigid academic goals (like learning numbers in a year) underscores his deep commitment to the whole child and their individual needs.

Part of a Developmental and Behavioral Consultant Team

Matthew’s experience and approach have made him an invaluable member of the Developmental and Behavioral Consultant team. His practical experience, paired with his diverse training, makes him a well-rounded professional who can contribute meaningfully to a range of cases. His expertise in working with special needs children, especially in the context of inclusive education, is a key asset to the team.