MATTHEW EVENSTAD
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated Catholic school educator and AVID-trained teacher committed to fostering academic growth, leadership development, and equitable learning environments. Experienced in teaching Religion and Social Studies to grades 5–8, leading Youth Ministry initiatives, and coordinating school identity programs. Proven success in implementing AVID methodologies to enhance student study habits, collaboration, and organizational skills. A solid foundation in communication, instructional design, and faith-based community leadership contributes to a holistic approach to education.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher, Grades 5–8
Pope Francis Global Academy
Chicago, IL
07.2024 - Current
- Serve as 7th/8th Grade Homeroom Teacher and lead instruction in Religion and Social Studies for grades 5–8.
- Integrate AVID instructional strategies to promote academic rigor, inquiry, and collaboration.
- Lead Youth Ministry initiatives to strengthen student faith formation and community service.
- Participate in the Catholic Identity Committee, aligning instruction with Archdiocesan mission and values.
- Co-facilitate Student Council, developing student leadership and civic engagement.
- Utilize i-Ready and formative data to close academic gaps in reading and math across the middle school- including 100%+ growth in 3 grades.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding and participation.
Student Teacher, English/Public Speaking
Mankato West High School
Mankato, MN
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Designed and taught standards-aligned lessons for grades 9–12 in English Language Arts and Public Speaking.
- Implemented AVID learning structures and collaborative note-taking systems to strengthen literacy and engagement.
- Built strong classroom rapport through differentiated instruction and student-centered learning.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts and Literature Education (5–12)
Minnesota State University, Mankato – College of Education
Mankato, MN05.2024
Associate of Science - Sport Management
Normandale Community College
Bloomington, MN05.2022
Skills
- AVID Methodology & WICOR Implementation
- Data-Informed Instruction & Growth Analysis
- Culturally Responsive & Equity-Focused Teaching
- Faith-Based Leadership & Catholic Identity Integration
- Public Speaking & Professional Development Facilitation
- Curriculum Design & Cross-Grade Collaboration
- Instructional Coaching & Mentorship
- Student Engagement & Character Formation
Accomplishments
- Data Organization - Organized scores of over 80 students into online database for parents' immediate access.
- Curriculum Implementation - Instructed pupils in reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, and physical education using the curriculum established by the Board of Education.
- ESL Literacy - Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating online word games and altering lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
- Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
- Technology Integration - Participated in technology training courses and trained colleagues in new technology concepts and practices applicable for the classroom.
Certification
- Illinois Professional Educator License – Communication Arts & Literature (Grades 5–12) Issued July 2024 | #1415934
- AVID Certified Teacher – Earned October 2023
- ESL Endorsement, UMASS – Expected Completion September 2025
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Teacher, Grades 5–8
Pope Francis Global Academy
07.2024 - Current
Student Teacher, English/Public Speaking
Mankato West High School
01.2024 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts and Literature Education (5–12)
Minnesota State University, Mankato – College of Education
Associate of Science - Sport Management
Normandale Community College