Mathew Wistrom
Crystal,MN
Summary
Special Education Teacher with extensive experience at Minnesota Internship Center High School, skilled in IEP implementation and fostering strong relationships. Advocated for equitable access to services, enhancing student success through inclusive strategies and collaboration. Committed to empowering diverse learners and driving academic excellence in supportive settings.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Minnesota Internship Center High School
Minneapolis, MN
08.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented IEPs for students with emotional/behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and other exceptionalities in grades 9-12.
- Delivered specially designed instruction in resource, inclusion, and small-group settings using evidence-based strategies and adaptive materials.
- Collaborated with families, often facing socioeconomic challenges, through accessible and flexible communication methods to support student success.
- Partnered with social workers, school counselors, and community liaisons to address the non-academic barriers impacting student learning and stability.
- Created consistent routines and nurturing environments to support highly mobile students experiencing frequent school changes.
- Advocated for equitable access to services, supports, and high expectations for students from historically underserved communities.
Athletics Coach
Orono High School
Orono, MN
11.2015 - Current
- Served in multiple coaching roles at Orono High School, supporting student-athletes in girls basketball, freshman boys basketball, and track and field over the course of nearly a decade.
- Assistant Coach, Girls Basketball (2015-2018): Helped lead the team to a Class AAA State Championship in 2017, focusing on player development, practice planning, and game strategy.
- Freshman Boys Basketball Coach (2019-Present): Head coach responsible for skill development, team culture, and game management for 9th grade athletes, fostering growth and preparing players for higher-level competition.
- Assistant Track and Field Coach - Jumps (2017-2023): Coached long jump, triple jump, and high jump athletes; mentored several students who qualified for the Minnesota State Track and Field Meet.
- Promoted sportsmanship, accountability, and academic excellence while building strong, lasting relationships with student-athletes.
- Collaborated with coaching staff and school administration to ensure positive team culture and alignment with the school's values and expectations.
Special Education Teacher
Ubah Medical Academy
Hopkins, MN
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided special education services to a diverse student population, primarily second-generation Muslim immigrants from Somali-speaking families, with sensitivity to cultural norms, language barriers, and community values.
- Collaborated closely with Somali-speaking families, often using interpreters or multilingual resources to build trust, foster family engagement, and support student progress.
- Delivered instruction in small groups and one-on-one settings, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and behavior regulation, while embedding culturally relevant content and trauma-informed approaches.
- Facilitated inclusive practices by working alongside general education teachers to modify lessons and support English learners with disabilities.
Special Education Teacher
Orono School District
Long Lake, MN
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Designed and delivered individualized instruction aligned with IEP goals, promoting access to college-preparatory curriculum through co-teaching, accommodations, and direct instruction.
- Collaborated with general education staff to implement inclusive practices and ensure high expectations for all learners.
- Maintained strong, positive relationships with students and families, emphasizing consistent communication and whole-child support.
- Actively participated in the broader school community by attending student-centered extracurricular activities such as sporting events, prom, theater productions, and school assemblies.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Orono School District
Orono, MN
09.2014 - 06.2020
- Provided academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students with a range of needs, including learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.
- Collaborated closely with teaching staff to implement accommodations, monitor student progress, and reinforce IEP goals.
- Regularly attended extracurricular events to stay connected with students beyond the classroom and demonstrate community involvement.
- Gained valuable hands-on experience that informed and enriched teaching practice while completing teacher preparation coursework and pursuing a special education licensure.
Direct Care Worker
J and J Holmes
Saint Cloud, MN
06.2011 - 05.2015
- Served as full-time lead staff at a residential group home for adult men with behavioral and developmental disabilities, providing daily support focused on safety, dignity, and independence.
- Took on leadership responsibilities including shift coordination, medication administration, incident documentation, and grocery and supply ordering.
- Implemented behavior support plans, de-escalation strategies, and structured routines to promote stability and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Fostered respectful, person-centered relationships with residents while supporting life skills development, community integration, and daily living activities.
- Trained and mentored new staff on house protocols, person-centered care, and behavioral intervention strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Academic and Behavior Specialist
Western Governors University
Murray, UT04.2020
Skills
- Inclusion strategies
- Functional behavior assessment
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Individual education plans ieps
- Relationship building
- Instructional strategies
Certification
- Professional Educator License
- CPI Certification
- First Aid Certification
- CPR Certification
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Minnesota Internship Center High School
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Ubah Medical Academy
10.2022 - 08.2023
Special Education Teacher
Orono School District
09.2020 - 06.2022
Athletics Coach
Orono High School
11.2015 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Orono School District
09.2014 - 06.2020
Direct Care Worker
J and J Holmes
06.2011 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Academic and Behavior Specialist
Western Governors University
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