MATTHEW SHEPARD
Pelzer
Summary
Experienced with creating engaging lesson plans that cater to diverse learning needs and styles. Utilizes effective classroom management techniques to maintain conducive learning environment. Strong understanding of educational methodologies and importance of fostering collaborative and inclusive classroom.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
5th Grade Teacher
WHITEHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Anderson, SC
08.2023 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive, standards-based instruction across all subject areas (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies).
- Integrate Trauma-Informed Education strategies to support emotional regulation and academic persistence.
- Utilize data-driven interventions to bridge achievement gaps and prepare students for middle school transitions.
3rd Grade Teacher
WHITEHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Anderson, SC
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Orchestrated foundational literacy and numeracy instruction, ensuring students met critical state benchmarks.
- Developed a "team-first" classroom culture that boosted student morale and fostered a safe learning environment.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences and collaborated with specialized staff (IEP/504) to ensure inclusive support for all learners.
Production Operator
ORTEC INC.
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Manage safety, product quality, and production efficiency in manufacturing.
- Operated machinery to produce high-quality products efficiently.
- Conducted routine inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards.
First Sergeant / Operations Sergeant Major
UNITED STATES ARMY
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Instructional Leadership: Directed and trained 16 drill sergeants and 240 initial entry soldiers in 10-week cycles.
- Program Development: Redesigned standard operating procedures (SOPs) for training management to expedite production.
- Mentorship & Morale: Managed the welfare and professional growth of 120+ personnel, maintaining a positive organizational climate.
- Safety & Compliance: Spearheaded a risk management system that reduced vehicle accidents by 21%.
Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Trauma-Informed Education
Columbia College
Columbia, SC09-2025
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (Project Management)
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA07-2022
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education and Teaching
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ05-2015
Skills
- Instructional Strategies: Science of Reading (LETRS), Whole & Small Group Instruction, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy
- Leadership & Management: Staff Mentorship, Program Development, Performance Evaluation, Conflict Resolution
- Communication: Bilingual in English and German; expert at building productive educator/leader relationships
- Student engagement
- Parent-teacher communication
- Collaborative learning
Websites
Certification
- South Carolina Professional Educator Certification | Feb 2026
- Teachers of Tomorrow
- Status: Fully Certified; Completion Certificate received February 2026.
- LETRS Completion: Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (2025).
- Praxis Examinations (2023): Passed Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (5001).
- Scores: Reading/Language Arts (172), Math (174), Social Studies (173), Science (172).
- Field Experience: Completed 96-hour Classroom Readiness Training.
Languages
German
Limited Working
Timeline
5th Grade Teacher
WHITEHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2023 - Current
3rd Grade Teacher
WHITEHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2023 - 06.2025
Production Operator
ORTEC INC.
11.2022 - 07.2023
First Sergeant / Operations Sergeant Major
UNITED STATES ARMY
01.2012 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (Project Management)
Liberty University
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education and Teaching
University of Phoenix
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Trauma-Informed Education
Columbia College