Meet the Teacher

Ms. Shelley Matek grew up attending public schools in the Bay Area and earned her degree in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara — establishing an early passion for understanding how children think, learn, and grow.

Following her studies, Shelley found her calling in the elementary school classroom. She spent the vast majority of her educational career as a dedicated elementary teacher, serving over 20 years at Hearst Elementary in Pleasanton. Throughout those two decades, she developed deep instructional expertise in child development, differentiated learning strategies, and fostering joyful, supportive environments for students across grades K through 6.

In the fall of 2023, Shelley transitioned to instruct the DPOC program, bringing with her twenty years of practical, day-to-day classroom experience. Her background bridges academic developmental theory with the realities and joys of working directly with young children.

As the DPOC instructor, Ms. Matek teaches the developmental psychology curriculum and coordinates student internship placements across local elementary schools. She partners closely with elementary mentor teachers to ensure every DPOC intern experiences meaningful, high-impact fieldwork.

Ms. Matek is dedicated to preparing students for a wide range of future pathways — from elementary teaching and psychology to pediatrics, counseling, and youth advocacy.