At Provident Charter West (PCS West), our tuition-free charter school is known for our warm and caring 1st-5th grade learning environment. To get to know more about the people behind our school culture, we recently chatted with PCS West 4th/5th Grade Looping Teacher and Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Jennifer Matelan.
Here’s what she had to say!
PCS West 4th/5th Grade Looping Teacher and Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Jennifer Matelan
What inspired you to become an educator?
I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I was a struggling reader as an elementary student. I had a teacher that made a difference for me, and I always wanted to help other struggling readers.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher in elementary school is Kathy Zaun, I had her for 1st grade, and again in 6th grade! She was warm, kind, and made learning fun. She was special! Currently, my favorite teacher is SANDRA SLAVEN! She has been my co-teacher throughout my time at PCS, and I feel I have grown so much as an educator, having her in my life!
How does PCS West’s mission and vision align with your personal values?
I believe every child is unique and an individual, and this drives the way I approach teaching. It’s important to work together with parents and administration to build students’ success and help them reach their full potential.
What do you love most about your role?
What I love most about my role is how I get to see firsthand the effect that quality, specially-designed education has on students. I am passionate about ensuring all of my students reap the benefits of our wonderful school! One of my favorite memories would be the day we published a book of poetry with our 4th grade students! They “lit up” and became full of excitement that they now are authors to a published book. Teaching them that they CAN do anything, they just have to want it, and work to achieve it!
Tell us a little about your life outside of PCS West!
My husband Nick and I have 2 beautiful boys, Nicholas and Jacob. We enjoy watching and going to Pittsburgh sports games, especially the Penguins! I love reading, taking walks, bird watching, and kayaking in the warm weather. I also love curling up and watching a good movie or show in the evenings with my family! Going to the beach is one of my most favorite places to visit, with a good book in my hands and my feet in the sand, listening to the waves, and family enjoying their time!! Lastly, I’m working on a children’s book, and hope to build the courage to submit to a publishing company!
Talented, caring Provident Charter West staff serve struggling readers with top-notch whole child education in a tuition-free charter school environment. Are you interested in learning more about how PCS West can be a fit for your child?
Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.
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About Provident Charter West
Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!