MATTHEW MADIGAN GRAHAM
Chandler,AZ
Summary
Dedicated Education Professional experienced in teaching students with diverse special needs and providing primary care for adults with developmental disabilities. Developed an outcomes-based approach emphasizing differentiation and created inclusive learning environments through tailored educational strategies. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student outcomes while demonstrating strong organizational skills and a compassionate approach to student development.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Special Education Teacher
Chandler Unified School District
07.2016 - Current
- Developed IEP goals and accommodations aligned with student needs and compliance requirements.
- Differentiated instruction to support diverse learning styles, academic levels, and behavioral needs.
- Monitored student progress through data collection, assessments, and ongoing documentation.
- Collaborated with general education staff to implement inclusive classroom supports and modifications.
- Managed classroom behavior using positive interventions, routines, and individualized support plans.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Chandler Unified School District
07.2010 - 06.2016
- Oversaw the case management of 25-30 special education students and created and executed IEPs.
- Provide individualized and group instruction for K-5th grade students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Tracked student progress toward IEP goals and collected data to inform adjustments to educational plans.
- Communicated student’s progress regularly with parents or guardians and responded to parents and guardians in a professional and timely manner
- Fostered behavioral, social, and emotional well-being through creation of experiential learning environments
- Integrated multiple teaching methods to accommodate to a variety of learning styles and levels
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Paradise Valley Unified School District
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for each special education student based on their individual needs and goals
- Collaborated with other service providers, including teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists in regards to each student in the classroom
- Used a differentiated instruction approach to ensure the unique learning needs of each student were met
- Monitored and tracked students’ academic and behavior achievement and shared progress regularly with students’ parent or guardian
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to effectively meet unique learning needs of each student
- Promoted behavioral, social, and academic development to prepare for students’ transition into junior high school
Life Enrichment Specialist II
Albertina Kerr Centers, Inc.
07.2004 - 06.2006
- Supported adult males with autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia in completing daily living tasks, enhancing their independence
- Collaborated with life enrichment and behavioral specialists to develop individualized support and behavior plans, improving client outcomes
- Monitored environment to uphold safety standards and adhered to confidentiality guidelines at all times
- Facilitated community activities to enhance individual engagement
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon08-2007
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota01-2003
Skills
- Classroom management
- Behavioral interventions
- Team teaching
- Student involvement
- IEP development
- STEM support
- Teaching strategies
- Tailored instruction
- Curriculum design
Certification
- Arizona Special Education
- Arizona Cross-Categorical Endorsement
- Arizona Structured English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement
Timeline
High School Special Education Teacher
Chandler Unified School District
07.2016 - Current
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Chandler Unified School District
07.2010 - 06.2016
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Paradise Valley Unified School District
08.2007 - 05.2010
Life Enrichment Specialist II
Albertina Kerr Centers, Inc.
07.2004 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Winona State University
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Oregon