The Cohoes City School District is pleased to welcome Kimberly Matthews as our new Director of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
Matthews earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University at Albany and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from SUNY Plattsburgh and the University of Phoenix.
She brings more than two decades of experience in education, including roles as a special education teacher, school improvement specialist, director of special education, building principal and special education supervisor. Most recently, she served as a supervisor for special education in the Capital Region.
“I believe equity is at the heart of meaningful school improvement and recognize that students do not all begin in the same place,” Matthews said. “Ensuring each student receives the support, opportunities, and resources they need to reach their full potential will be my mission,” she added.
In this grant-funded position supported by the New York State Office of Mental Health, Matthews will collaborate closely with administrators, educators, support staff, families and students to strengthen a data-driven framework that supports students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs.
MTSS provides layers of academic and behavioral support to help all students succeed. Tier 1 delivers core academic instruction and universal social-emotional learning to all students through classroom-based strategies and programs like Second Step and the Positivity Project.
Tier 2 offers targeted academic support and small-group interventions tailored to specific needs, while Tier 3 provides intensive, individualized instruction and specialized assistance to help students overcome significant learning or behavioral challenges.
“I am excited to join the Cohoes community and continue this very important work,” said Matthews. “I look forward to working together to strengthen supports for every student,” she added.
Outside of work, Matthews enjoys painting, decorating and gardening. She and her husband, Jeff, a retired teacher, share their home with their beloved rescue dogs, Otis and Molly.