Many of you know me as a teacher from the Washington Community School District.  I started teaching in Washington in 1984 as a Special Education teacher. When the middle school switched to the old high school building, I switched jobs and became a 6th grade math teacher.  Recently, I started a math intervention program for middle school.  This is my first year of retirement, and I have been busy enjoying retirement, subbing, and raising my daughter. 

Mikaila, our dog Ollie and I live here in Washington. Fifteen years ago, I decided that I wanted to adopt a baby from China.  So with the help of friends and family, I started the process of adoption.  After 18 months of paperwork and meetings, my mother and I traveled to China to meet my daughter.  She has become a wonderful, talented musician and artist.  I’ve found that one of my favorite parts about being a parent is also watching my child grow, believe in herself and become the best person that she can be. 

I attended college at the University of Northern Iowa and received my elementary and special education teaching degree.  After graduating from college, I started my first teaching job here in Washington.  While teaching, I returned to college this time at the University of Iowa to complete my masters in special education with a degree now K - 12th grade. I loved teaching special education and taught special education for many years. An opportunity opened up to teach math at the middle school, and I decided it was time to try something new.  I equally loved teaching math.  Although you have a passion for the subject you teach, it’s the kids that make teaching fun.  It’s watching them grow in confidence and believe that they can achieve the goals they have for themselves. Watching students gain confidence in their ability and grow to be the best student possible has always been my favorite thing about teaching.  I look forward to getting to know the students and families of St. James better  and finding out their needs and goals, so I can help them grow and learn as a student. 

Parents please feel free to contact me.  Email is the quickest way to reach me then I will return your email or call you as soon as possible.  My email is bmatheson@sjknights.org.