I am a teacher who appreciates the written word. A lot. To the point that I may or may not have a pen name for some of my writing projects. I am also a traveler and have lived near every US border: North (Michigan), South (Arizona), East (North Carolina), and West (California). Rumors about me living overseas amidst a bunch of Mad Cows may or may not be moo. My family and I have been in Arizona since 2022 and are loving the mild winter weather, cacti, and sunsets. I have also been enjoying getting to work with this district as both a parent and a teacher. My colleagues are great, and the kids are fun with unique strengths, talents, and skill sets. #GoJags!

Hello! My name is Matt Heistand, and this is my 6th year here at Desert Ridge High School. I have taught AP Language and Composition for 4 years and this is my first-year teaching AP Research. I love being part of the AP community here on campus and wake up every day excited to help students reach (and, hopefully, exceed) their academic goals.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona in 2008. Prior to my career in education, I worked in my family’s small music store in Chandler, AZ, and I am a proud product of the Gilbert Public Schools system, having attended GPS schools for my entire K-12 education.