It's not everyone who gets to work in their dream job, but it's true for me! After a career in higher education administration at the University of Illinois, I was able to go back to school and finally get my dream job. There's no place I'd rather be than teaching junior high social studies in Hillsboro! I am proud to be a Dragon.

Mine has been a three chapter book so far... the first chapter was growing up in a suburb of Chicago, the second was obtaining degrees and a career at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign, and chapter three is happening right now in Hillsboro with your families. Each step has been to a smaller community and that's just how I like it. I finally found the right place to be. 

When I'm not encouraging junior high students to be curious about the world they live in, there's a good chance I'm with my wonderful wife and four kids, at an Illini football game, or out on a soccer field somewhere. I coach youth soccer with the Hillsboro Sports Association, and also the HHS Girls Soccer Team each Spring. 

My life's work is supporting the students in Hillsboro to become really excellent! Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. You can reach me by calling the school at 217-532-3742 or emailing me at dmattson@hillsboroschools.net. I look forward to talking with you!

By the way, all of my assignments and lesson plans are available in this year's Schoology course. 

Go Dragons!

Mr. Dave Mattson