Catherine Matthews currently teaches the early childhood special education preschool classroom at Hyalite Elementary School in Bozeman, Montana. Matthews has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Montana State University Bozeman, and a Master of Science in special education from Montana State University Billings.

Matthews has been a Montana special education preschool teacher for 20 years. She strives to create an inclusive classroom that celebrates every child’s talents and encourages a love for lifelong learning. Matthews aims to collaborate with families, teachers and her community as a whole as she creates a classroom culture of
acceptance and diversity in which all are welcome. She was recently awarded Montana Teacher of the Year for 2023.

Matthews lives in Gallatin County with her husband of 17 years, Jason Matthews, an advocate for wild lands and animals, and is the mother to two amazing boys, Noah and Silas, who are always willing to help with prepping activities and celebrations for her students and classroom. Matthews also operates an organic farm, animal sanctuary and is an apiarist (beekeeper) in the Gallatin Valley, striving to provide local, farm-to-market, healthy food options and learning opportunities for her students, families and local community.