Hello, my name is Matthew Elder and I’m extremely honored to serve the students, parents, staff and community in my role as the Director of the Riverside County Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity and Access Program) Consortium.  I attended California Baptist University as a student athlete where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003.  Upon graduation I traveled the world while playing professional basketball in Denmark, Australia, and Germany.   Upon returning to California, I resumed my education at CBU to obtain a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential in 2006, added a Subject Matter Authorization in Mathematics, earning a Master’s Degree in Education in 2009 and my Administrative Services Credential in 2014.  My job experiences have given me the opportunity to take on many different roles in both the secondary and elementary educational settings.  I started teaching in Alvord USD in 2006 as a Fifth Grade Teacher.  I joined Val Verde USD in 2007 as a Math Teacher and Basketball Coach at Citrus Hill High School.  I served as an Assistant Principal at Citrus Hill High School for 4 years, overseeing: the Guidance Office, Master Schedule, and College & Career Readiness program; Assessments, Facilities, and Special Education; Discipline, Intervention, and Attendance.  I then served as an Assistant Principal at Orange Vista High School for 3 years, overseeing: the Guidance Office, Master Schedule, and College & Career Readiness program.