Matthew P. Larson
Littleton,CO
Summary
Passionate and dedicated special education teacher with a strong desire to empower youth and improve communities through education, seeking opportunities to support personal growth in effectiveness as an educator. Brings a wealth of experience teaching across various age groups and settings, including K-8 affective needs, high school special education, and coaching roles for boys and girls high school soccer. Proven track record includes developing strong and trust-based relationships with students to support their personal growth. Varied work background enables effective communication and relation to a diverse range of people, even in stressful situations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Support Teacher
Englewood High School
08.2022 - Current
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Worked with general education mathematics teachers to support all grade-level mathematics classrooms, including accommodations and administration of small group testing.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering open communication.
Special Education Teacher
Sheridan High School
08.2018 - 08.2022
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Head and Assistant Soccer Coach for boys and girls teams- Fostered a safe, positive environment for players to grow both athletically and personally through mentoring efforts.
Special Education Resource Teacher, K-8
Meadow Community School
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
- Improved student behavior and social skills through implementation of positive reinforcement strategies and consistent classroom management techniques.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Affective Needs Teacher, 1st-3rd
Meadow Community School
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
Educational Paraprofessional, K-8 Special Education Department
Meadow Community School
09.2013 - 08.2015
- Provided one-on-one support to struggling students, leading to significant improvements in their academic performance.
- Supported teachers in the implementation of behavior intervention plans, promoting a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Store Manager
The Denver Mattress Company
05.2012 - 09.2013
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
Damage Controlman- Fireman (DCFN), Honorably Discharged Veteran
United States Navy
07.2003 - 07.2007
- -National Defense Service Medal
- -Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- -Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- -Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- -Navy 'E' Medal
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching, Special Education Concentration
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO07.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences, Economics Minor, History Focus
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO05.2011
Skills
- Classroom management
- Parent-teacher communication
- Collaborative teaching
- Student engagement
- IEP compliance
- Special education
- Group and individual instruction
- Behavior modifications
Job Specific Training
- Trauma Informed Care for Educators Training
- CPR and first aid training (standard precautions certification)
- Proficient with Enrich software
- IEP Referral and Specific Learning Disability evaluation and qualification processes
- Restorative Practices training and implementation support
- Blended Learning Training and Completion of course through iLearn
Timeline
Learning Support Teacher
Englewood High School
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Sheridan High School
08.2018 - 08.2022
Special Education Resource Teacher, K-8
Meadow Community School
08.2016 - 08.2018
Affective Needs Teacher, 1st-3rd
Meadow Community School
08.2015 - 08.2016
Educational Paraprofessional, K-8 Special Education Department
Meadow Community School
09.2013 - 08.2015
Store Manager
The Denver Mattress Company
05.2012 - 09.2013
Damage Controlman- Fireman (DCFN), Honorably Discharged Veteran
United States Navy
07.2003 - 07.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences, Economics Minor, History Focus
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Master of Arts - Teaching, Special Education Concentration
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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