Mathew Meintsma
Special Education Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree, Elementary Education, Iowa State University; Master’s Degree, Special Education, Iowa State University
Mr. Meintsma started teaching in 2014 and joined Iowa Connections Academy in 2022. He teaches special education to students in grades 7–12.
Why He Became a Teacher
According to Mr. Meintsma, “I always loved teaching kids swimming lessons . . . then later working with children and young adults with disabilities providing respite and special care.” His favorite classroom activity is “chatting with students. Finding out more about them and being a support for them.”
Message for Families Considering Online School
If there’s one thing Mr. Meintsma would tell parents thinking of enrolling their child here, it would be this: “Iowa Connections Academy helps teach students the important skills of being self-motivated and problem solving.”
[Iowa Connections Academy] encourages students to be more independent and in charge of their learning.
— Mr. Meintsma
Mr. Meintsma’s Personal Interests
“I love watching and playing sports — including swimming, soccer, and basketball — also playing with my kids and trying new foods,” reports Mr. Meintsma.