About

the champions

The Champions are a fifth grade class at Prarieland Elementary School in the Normal, Illinois area.

We're called the Champions because we are working our best at being our best ... we try hard to display the characteristics of a champion. We work hard, we give our best, and we never give up.

Mr. Matthews

I have been teaching for seven years (this is my eighth). I began at Prairieland as a 4th grade teacher the first year we opened (1999-2000), moved to 5th grade the following year, and have taught 5th grade here ever since!

Before I became a teacher I was a youth minister at a small church in northwest Indiana.

I graduated from Lincoln Christian College and Illinois State University in 1999. I've been married since 1997 and have three beautiful daughters.

My hobbies include computers, graphic and web design, baseball and basketball, watching the Cardinals, playing my guitar, and reading.

My goal each year is to create a classroom community where the students become responsible and independent. I want them to learn how to manage their own behavior, make their own decisions, and be responsible for their own learning.

I love teaching and I love public education. It makes me happy to walk into the classroom every morning. I'm also a big believer in communication and will do everything I can to keep parents informed and involved.