5Th Grade
I am excited and grateful to be spending my second year teaching at the Elko Institute for Academic
Achievement. I am ecstatic to work with fifth graders this year, though I’m sure it will be much different
from last year. I look forward to helping my students grow academically while providing a safe atmosphere
in which to explore the world as they begin their transition to middle school.
A little bit about me:
I am proud to be a Native Nevadan and happy to teach in such a wildly diverse and interesting state. I was
born in Fallon and moved to Gardnerville where I lived until starting college. I met my wonderful wife,
Cynthia, while attending university in California, where we lived for three years before moving overseas to
Scotland. We recently moved back to the States, landing in Elko, in part to pursue my career in education. I
have taught leadership and environmental science in 7 different outdoor centers on 3 continents over the last
12 years, so education has become a big part of my life. Over the last year, it has been an interesting transition to work in a classroom rather than the great outdoors. I still enjoy being outside and try to integrate outdoor experiences into the curriculum as much as possible. My wife, Cynthia, is involved in Young Life, is a substitute teacher, and an independent representative for Premier Designs Jewelry. We both enjoy working with kids, which is a good thing as we are expecting our first child in December. Our pastimes include, but are not limited to creative art, cooking, mentoring, traveling and spending time outdoors. I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, camping, painting, building and learning all about how things work.
Education:
As mentioned, I have been involved in teaching young people for several years, mostly through environmental science and outdoor education. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Outdoor Leadership from Simpson University in 2010. It is there that I discovered my passion for learning and sharing my discoveries with others. Officially, I have spent 5 years exclusively teaching environmental science and/or wilderness education, including a year as a counselor for a wilderness based program for at-risk youth. In 2014 my wife and I were provided with an amazing opportunity to work in Scotland, UK where we got to see firsthand how the education system works in another culture.
I am currently finishing my teaching credential through the ARL (alternative route to licensure) program at Western Governors University and I should be fully licensed during the 2017-18 school year. I consider it a privilege to learn and hope that I can encourage my students to adopt the same attitude.
I look forward to working with all students and their families at EIAA,
Matthew Shedd
Matthew Shedd
