MATT SWEDLOW
Chicago,IL
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Studies Teacher, Grades 6–8
Laura S. Ward STEM Elementary
Chicago, IL
08.2024 - Current
- Plan and deliver standards-aligned Social Studies instruction for grades 6–8 using consistent lesson structures, including learning targets, success criteria, bell ringers, close reading, annotation, and checks for understanding.
- Adapt and scaffold curriculum materials to improve clarity, accessibility, and student independence through chunking, embedded comprehension checks, sentence frames, and targeted supports while maintaining academic rigor.
- Use visuals, structured discussion protocols, and guided discourse to increase student engagement, strengthen academic language, and support a wide range of learners.
- Provide ongoing formative feedback through in-the-moment conferencing, written feedback on student work, and targeted reteaching aligned to lesson objectives and success criteria.
- Monitor student understanding and adjust instruction to address misconceptions, reinforce key skills, and support progress toward grade-level standards.
Social Studies Teacher, Grades 6–7
Logan Square Elementary
Chicago, IL
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Taught 6th- and 7th-grade Social Studies to approximately 80 students using the Skyline curriculum and a range of instructional strategies, including technology integration.
- Designed culturally responsive lessons and adjusted instruction based on student performance data, classroom observations, and collaboration with colleagues.
- Built an inclusive classroom environment that supported student voice, participation, and critical thinking.
- Founded the school’s Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) to promote belonging, student leadership, and a more supportive school culture.
Basketball Coach, Boys & Girls
Logan Square Elementary
Chicago, IL
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Led team practices and prepared students for competition while building teamwork, discipline, accountability, and sportsmanship.
- Fostered positive relationships with students and supported social-emotional growth through coaching and mentorship.
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Logan Square Elementary
Chicago, IL
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Implemented IEP accommodations and provided small-group and one-on-one instructional support for students with disabilities.
- Used adaptive strategies and instructional technology to increase student access to grade-level content and classroom participation.
- Collaborated with teachers and support staff to reinforce learning goals and respond to individual student needs.
Education
M.A. - Middle School Social Studies
National Louis University
Chicago, ILB.A. - English
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, WISkills
- Bilingual Communication (Spanish)
- Standards-Aligned Instruction
- Lesson Design
- Curriculum Adaptation
- Social Studies Content Instruction
- Disciplinary Literacy
- Formative Assessment
- Differentiation and Scaffolding
- Special Education Support
- Classroom Management
- Student-Centered Learning
- Technology Integration
- Coaching and Mentoring
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Social Studies Teacher, Grades 6–8
Laura S. Ward STEM Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Social Studies Teacher, Grades 6–7
Logan Square Elementary
08.2023 - 06.2024
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Logan Square Elementary
02.2023 - 08.2023
Basketball Coach, Boys & Girls
Logan Square Elementary
12.2022 - 06.2024
B.A. - English
University of Wisconsin–Madison
M.A. - Middle School Social Studies
National Louis University
Summary
Middle school Social Studies teacher with experience teaching grades 6–8 in urban public school settings. Skilled in designing standards-aligned, highly structured lessons that support diverse learners through scaffolding, disciplinary literacy, and formative assessment. Experienced in culturally responsive teaching and in building inclusive, student-centered classrooms that promote engagement, academic language, and critical thinking. Bilingual in Spanish and committed to supporting students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Developed strong analytical and communication skills in academic environment, focusing on creating engaging and impactful learning experiences. Excelled in adapting lesson plans to meet diverse student needs and foster critical thinking. Looking to transition into new field where these skills can drive meaningful outcomes and contribute to organizational success.