Madison Cheek

Special Education Teacher Candidate

Mattie in window.

Mattie in Oregon.

About Me

Born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina, I never really felt at home until I moved to Oregon. I have been fortunate enough to feel embraced by the city of Portland and proud to be a part of the community there. The importance of education and teaching was always spoken about in my home, my mother was an English teacher for 15 years, and my father a historian who taught briefly as well. I attended Portland State University for my bachelor’s of science and graduated in 2019. From there, I enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland for a master’s of science in applied social science, focusing on social work theories and practice. While in Edinburgh, I had the wonderful opportunity not only to study but to also work with adults with disabilities at a nonprofit called Upmo. My time in Scotland was cut short due to Covid-19 but I always knew I wanted to settle back down in Oregon so I decided to get my teaching license in Special Education at Portland State University.

When I’m not working I can either be found with a good cup of coffee and relaxing with my cats or adventuring outside with my partner or friends. Oregon has so much beautiful wilderness to offer and I am grateful to have the opportunity to explore it. I care deeply about our community being aware and prepared for the predicted subduction zone earthquake that will occur in the Pacific Northwest. I am happy to help families prepare their earthquake kits or discuss the potential outcomes for this event in our future. Educators have a duty to advocate for the safety of the buildings in which our students are learning and knowing our government officials are preparing the community.


Teaching Philosophy

I look forward to the ways my teaching philosophy will change over my time at Portland State University while I am a teacher candidate and then continue to evolve when I am a licensed educator. The foundation for my teaching practice comes from a place of empathy and compassion, which I believe are essential qualities in all human services positions, which I consider teaching to be. To be an effective and well-rounded teacher, I know that I must not only possess knowledge around instruction and curriculum but be devoted to compassion and respect for all the student’s and families I encounter. As a person of privilege, in a position of power, I will continue my efforts ensuring I am culturally aware and competent, implementing diverse curriculum catered to my students needs and cultural experiences, respecting the differences of families in the community, and always be learning how to be an anti-racist, anti-oppressive practitioner. I will always strive to do what I teach my students, which is that I believe that learning is a lifelong process and that we never arrive at a finish line. This is said best by Maya Angelou—

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

I want my classroom to be a place where children feel encouraged and uplifted, as well as safe to make mistakes without seeing it as a failure. I want to work collaboratively alongside my fellow educators, administrators, and specialists because I have a deep respect for their insight, experience, and knowledge. I believe that parents involvement is essential to the education of their children and they are always to be a core part of my team.

I hope to be able to inspire my students to strive for growth and improvement by presenting academically challenging and stimulating lessons. I promise to continually advocate for each child’s best interest and on behalf of the family, including when beneficial for the student, inclusive opportunities in school. I will ensure that I am abiding by the code of ethics I am bound to as a licensed educator in Oregon.