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Matthew Johnson

STAFF WRITER | JOURNALIST

Summary

Accomplished, enthusiastic writer offering a solid background in education and freelance journalism. Skilled in researching and creating an array of materials ranging from lesson plans to published articles. Recognized for skills in producing written material that engages the reader through in-depth understanding of their needs and interests. Possess excellent editorial abilities, leveraged to ensure high quality and standards are consistently achieved in both content and grammatical accuracy.  

Work experience

2009Present

Writer and Editor

FREELANCE JOURNALISM

Write well-researched and engaging articles for a number of publications, both printed and digital. Develop content for The National Speed Sport News, the longest running motorsports news outlet in the US, covering NASCAR, INDYCAR, Formula 1, and TUDOR United SportsCar Championships. Additional publications include: Motorsport Illustrated News, IndyCar.com/INDYCAR Nation, Speed Sport Magazine and OpenWheelWorld.net. 

  • Utilized journalistic skills to format and structure contributions with an understanding of readers’ interests, resulting in regular acceptance of submissions
  • Identify stories of interest and conduct research to ascertain key facts and focus
  • Engage the reader using targeted language that ensures articles are interesting and informative
  • Conduct editorial reviews to ensure syntax structure, grammar and content are of the highest quality
2014

Long Term Substitute Assignment

SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL

Enabled high standards of learning and played an active role in the development of learning materials in English 9 Honors and 10CP. Produced and delivered detailed lesson plans that facilitated learning through the writing of differentiated learning materials that made subject and topics accessible to students with varied learning needs and abilities.

  • Collaborated with English department to create and build and extensive range of materials that evoke the imagination and motivate students
  • Rapidly adapted to and incorporated technological resources, such as Blackboard and Spartan Docs.
  • Proactively contributed to departmental and faculty meetings and gained recognition for innovative and resourceful solutions to issues arising
  • Served as Yearbook advisor and acted as liaison between Southern Lehigh High School, students and vendor, resulting in a professionally designed and edited publication.
2013

Student Teacher

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL

Guided instruction in 12th Grade College Prep British Literature and 11th Grade College Prep American Literature. Designed and implemented opinion-oriented writing activities, such as advice column, aimed at fostering in-depth analysis of material.

  • Utilized a variety of additional mediums and media sources, including audio clips, video clips and song lyrics, to contextualize lessons and connect students with the material
  • Created full units covering poetry during the Romantic and Victorian periods of British history
2013

Student Teacher

SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL

Led lessons in 7th grade Reading and Reading /Language Arts classes applying pedagogical theory and methodologies to assess individual learning needs and abilities and devise engaging lesson plans that engendered high levels of motivation amongst the students.

  • Designed a full unit around Walter Dean Myers’ novel, Monster that incorporated carefully edited differentiated learning materials and activities
  • Utilized a variety of learning strategies that included drama to enhance students’ interest in daily reading
  • Reviewed and assessed all lesson planning to ensure alignment with the Pennsylvanian Common Core Standards
  • Actively participated in meetings, parent-teacher conferences and after school one-on-one tutoring

Education

2013

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

University of Here
2009

Bachelor of Arts in English

University of Anywhere