- Bushcraft
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Hunting/ Fishing
- Music
Matthew Shirey
Sylva,NC
Summary
Experienced teaching multiple subjects with a diverse population of students in a wide array of environments. Strong work ethic and desire to grow as an educator, professional, and human being. Love being part of a team and eager to contribute my skills, knowledge, and passion.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Studies Teacher
Mountain Discovery Charter School
08.2022 - Current
- Develop & implement lessons for three academic courses per day and two electives, Outdoor Skills & Craft lab per week
- Facilitate Social and Emotional learning with a "Crew" of 12 students twice a week. This includes teambuilding, psychoemotional awareness, nervous system regulation, guided meditation, personal development, and group problem solving.
- Lead & organize multiple backpacking trips with 7th and 8th graders. This entails acquiring permits, meal planning and prep, gear purchasing, maintenance, and organization.
- Plan & coordinate several day trips including canoeing on Fontana lake, rafting on the Nantahala River, horseback riding in Smokemont, and educational trips to Western Carolina University.
- Function as a cooperative member of the team, and support coworkers where needed. Also occasionally perform maintenance tasks where necessary.
Blacksmith
Shira Forge
05.2005 - Current
- Create one of a kind forged items i.e. knives, axes, cookware and a variety of other products
- Manage the production, marketing, and sales
- Occasionally teach weekend workshops
Continuing Education Instructor
Haywood Community College
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Develop and instruct blacksmithing courses for adults
- Supervise students in a working blacksmith shop, ensuring safety of participants and equipment
Carpentry Instructor
Southwestern Community College
01.2009 - 05.2015
- Design & implement "hands-on" learning opportunities for adolescents with moderate to severe neurodivergence, behavioral challenges, and socioeconomic struggles.
- Supervise and instruct 8-12 students in a shop setting. Ensure the safe usage of power tools including saws, lathes, and planers.
- Manage responsibilities at a remote location (Jackson Community School) with minimal supervision.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies (Sociology/ Anthropology)
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA08-2009
Skills
- Supporting Diverse Learners
- Student engagement
- Design & implementation of lesson plans
- Coordinate Front Country and Backcountry Trips
- Student Safety Management
- Tool and Equipment Maintenance
- Crisis Intervention
- First Responder Care
- Developing Experiential Learning Opportunites
- Technology implementation
Accomplishments
- Scholarship recipient Penland School of Craft
- Scholarship recipient John C. Campbell Folk School
- Forged in Fire Champion, Forged in Fire Season 9, Episode 1
Certification
Wilderness First Responder, Juanuary 2025
Interests
Timeline
Social Studies Teacher
Mountain Discovery Charter School
08.2022 - Current
Continuing Education Instructor
Haywood Community College
01.2018 - 01.2019
Carpentry Instructor
Southwestern Community College
01.2009 - 05.2015
Blacksmith
Shira Forge
05.2005 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies (Sociology/ Anthropology)
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
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