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    Matthew Ellis superintendent

    Matthew Ellis

    Prosser, Washington

    As Superintendent of Prosser School District, Matthew Ellis is committed to inspiring the next generation of educational leaders. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Matthew grew up passionate about sports, particularly wrestling. He started wrestling at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his talent and hard work. Throughout his high school years, Matthew worked hard to become one of the best wrestlers in Washington. He won the state championship twice and set his sights on even bigger goals.

     

    Matthew attended Oregon State University on a wrestling scholarship. He twice became team captain and competed at the NCAA National Championships three times. He also won the PAC-10 championship in 2004 and was the runner-up in 2005. Matthew always retained his academic goals despite his success on the mat. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. He went on to pursue a career in teaching and coaching.

     

    Matthew's coaching career began at Stanford University, where he served as an assistant wrestling coach. During his time at Stanford, Matthew worked with some of the best wrestlers in the country. He helped guide the team to several victories. However, Matthew knew that he wanted to make a more significant impact on the lives of young people. In 2007, Matt graduated from the University of Cumberlands with a Master's in Arts of Teaching. He decided to pursue a career in education and earned a Professional Teaching Certificate from Washington State University.

     

    Matthew Ellis started teaching in 2008 as a Social Studies teacher at Grandview School District in Grandview, Washington. Throughout his time at Grandview School District, Matthew gained valuable experience and developed a passion for teaching. He enjoyed working with students and helping them grow academically and personally. Matthew also collaborated with other teachers and administrators to improve the overall education experience for the students.

     

    Matthew was appointed High School Principal of the Royal School District in Royal City, Washington, in 2013. He was renowned for his strong leadership abilities and passion for improving his students' educational experience. He collaborated closely with teachers and staff to design programs and initiatives to enable students to succeed academically and personally. Under his guidance, the school saw an uptick in student achievement while decreasing disciplinary issues.

     

    In 2018, Prosser School District offered Matthew the opportunity to serve as its Superintendent. He jumped at the chance to make a difference in the lives of the students and his community. As Superintendent, Matthew has focused on creating a positive and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. He has also worked to improve the district's academic programs and increase student achievement.

     

    Matthew has prioritized creating a positive and supportive environment for students. To do this, he made collective ownership of achievement through data-driven planning with principals and teachers. Additionally, he refined embedded professional development programs by implementing adult learning plans associated with school improvement plans. Matthew also implemented intervention programs for struggling high school students and support services for new employee induction and mentoring - all of which have contributed to improved academic programs and increased student achievement across the district.

    Experience

    2018-2023 Superintendent Prosser School District, Prosser, Washington

    2016-2018 Superintendent Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools, Lind and Ritzville, Washington

    2013-2016 High School Principal Royal School District, Royal City, Washington

    2012-2013 High School Assistant Principal Pasco School District, Pasco, Washington

    2010-2011 Summer School Secondary Education Administrator Grandview School District 

    2008-2012 High School Social Studies Teacher Grandview School District 

    2007-2008 Assistant Wrestling Coach Stanford University, Palo Alto, California


    Education

    2022 Enrollment in Doctor of Education in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership a William & Mary – Completion Anticipated 2025

    2017 Washington State University, Superintendent’s Certificate 

    2015 NEWCEL, Professional Administrator Certificate

    2012 Washington State University, Residency Administrator Certificate

    2010 Washington State University, Professional Teaching Certificate

    2007 University of the Cumberlands, Master’s of Arts in Teaching

    2005 Oregon State University, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies

    Recognition

    • Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association Presenter - 2010
    • Presented to WSU School Finance Course -ASB Finance - 2013
    • Presented to Incoming Principal Professional Certification Candidates - 2015
    • Participated in Principal Mock Interview Panel for WSU and Whitworth Candidates - 2017
    • Presented Challenges of Rural Superintendency to UW Doctorate Students -2017
    • Presented to WSU Superintendent Cohort - 2017
    • Presented to WSU Superintendent Program Students - 2018
    • Presented at Prosser Thrive Key Leader Luncheon – 2018
    • Presented to Prosser Rotary -2022
    • Presented to WSU Superintendent Cohort - 2022

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