About Me

The picture above is my wife Melissa and me at a dinner banquet to raise money to help victims of abuse.

I am Mr. Isaac Mathews. I was born and have lived in St. George, Utah for the majority of my life, other than living four years in Russell Kansas (1984 to 1988), spending summers in Mariposa, California (1989 - 1990); a year in Helena, Montana (1991); a summer in a cabin near a river, south of Denver, Colorado (1993), and two years in Chicago, Illinois (1997-1999), doing voluntary service for members of the communities throughout northern Illinois. *see pictures below! 😄

I gained a love for seeing new places and learning about other cultures and worldviews throughout my life as I was brought up by parents who taught me to love learning, reading, being creative, asking questions, and enjoying art - especially great music. When I was growing up, I lived in a mixed family with more than twelve members, and I loved having many siblings to play with and learn from. I learned the importance of keeping a balance by working hard and having fun in life. (Note: Let me know if you are curious about any part of my life, and I would love to share my experiences that made me who I am today.)

I have four children who are all young adults now. Wow, time flies! Our family has had a lot of fun hanging out, watching movies, going out to dinner, visiting Disneyland and Universal Studios, making each other laugh, visiting local and national parks, historical sites, and going to lakes and beaches over the last 25 years. We love animals and nature. I am hoping to go on a few road trips on the West Coast and travel to New England and parts of Europe in the next few years. I love traveling and making meaningful memories with loved ones and friends.

I chose to become a teacher when I started teaching guitar and working with young men in the scouting program where my wife and I were living at that time (around 2001). I realized that I not only loved to learn but I also enjoyed helping others learn and develop new skills and abilities.

I have taught elementary school (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) for the last 15 years. Every year I have had around 25 students in my classroom. Wow, think of it: I have directly taught around 375 children! That is awesome! I LOVE working with every student and their family. I have seen so many learners make significant progress and important steps in reaching their goals - academically and socially.

I love teaching for many reasons. Here are a few reasons why I continue to love to teach:

1. Education is very VERY important and fun to me. I love to contribute to my community and help make meaningful differences in the lives of students and their families every school year.

2. I enjoy the variety of each day with learners throughout each school year. Each day is a new adventure.

3. I enjoy learning from learners and their families. Every year presents many new ways to deepen my understanding of the cultures and lives of those who live in our community. Help me to understand what matters most to you! I sincerely want to learn your life story and how I can help you make meaningful progress and growth - academically, socially, and in whatever areas matter most to you.

4. I am always striving and learning ways to be a better teacher. I am a lifelong learner, and I love being an important part of each student's journey to find and grow in their own interests and goals.

I love art! I am especially passionate about listening to and creating music. I have been writing songs, playing guitar, piano, drums, and other instruments since I was 12 years old. Writing songs and playing music with others (artistic collaborations) is awesome for me. I have performed for many local events (St. George City New Year's celebrations, a Rockville town party, company and business socials and events, and a lot of places in southern Utah), and I also love to just sit at home with my guitar and relax.

[If you are interested in hearing some of my music, let me know. I am always willing to share my stuff!]

Some of my other favorite things to do: reading good books (especially science fiction, fantasy, and biographies of amazing people), hiking, enjoy nature, learning and talking about history, researching other cultures around the world (ancient and modern), and doing fun things with my wife and our children. My family and friends are really REALLY important to me.