A little bit about me.

1. Dr. M.’s Introduction
Hello! My name is Dr. Renae Mattson
and over the course of the next 8 weeks, I
will be your instructor. Every time I
facilitate a course, no matter how many
times I’ve previously taught it, I see my
course material from new and exciting
perspectives…those of my students!

2. A Little Bit About Me, Personally
At the age of 39, I became a
first-time Mom to my
adorable 13-year young son,
Brayden. He is truly the
light of my life. I have
enjoyed watching the
wonder of his growth and
development, and sharing
this experience with my
family: Mom, Dad, two
sisters, two brothers-in-law,
4 nephews, one niece, and
now two grand-nieces and
two grand-nephews.

3. A Little Bit About Me, Personally
In my spare time, which has been sparse lately, I enjoy reading, writing,
and gardening. Oh, and I love watching football and baseball.
I am also a dog lover and advocate of rescue organizations! Over the years,
we’ve had to say goodbye to some of our fur-babies, but we recently
adopted a puppy whose mama was pulled from a high-kill shelter!

4. My “Credentials”
In regards to education, I crave academic
settings, both traditional on-campus and
online formats. Both modalities provide
the intellectual stimulation that
continually challenges me. I’ve received
the following degrees and credentials
throughout my educational tenure:
● Doctor of Philosophy in Education
from University of California, Santa
Barbara, CA
● Master of Arts in Education from
Azusa Pacific University, Ventura, CA
● Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
through California Polytechnic
State University, San Luis
Obispo, CA
● Multiple Subjectx Clear Professional
Teaching Credential

5. A Little Bit About Me, Professionally
I began my professional career in education as a camp counselor
for an after-school program/summer day camp, Fun & Sun, while
an undergrad student at Cal Poly in SLO. I loved working with kids
from the moment I started this job, assuring me that I had chosen
the correct career path.
Upon graduating from Cal Poly, I moved home to Ventura County
where I substitute taught for one year. During this year, I gained
valuable experiences in a variety of educational settings.
I entered the teaching profession at a time when teachers were in
high demand, so I was hired for my first full-time teaching
position without having completed my teaching credential. This
afforded me the opportunity to work while I got my credential.

6. A Little Bit About Me, Professionally
I spent the next 12 years teaching
upper grades, ranging from 4 – 6th,
most of those spent in 5th grade.
During these years, I sat in on my
school’s Leadership Team, Student
Success Team, coached
cheerleading, and co-organized our
school’s Spring Carnival and
monthly spirit days.
Just for fun, the picture on top is
my high school senior pic :-)
When my son was born, I took a
year off for child-rearing. Now, I’m
back in the classroom but as a
college instructor and university
supervisor.

7. I am excited to begin this journey with you and look
forward to our learning together!
Warmest regards,
Dr. Renae Mattson, PhD
smattson@umassglobal.edu