Matthew Winheim

Matthew Winheim is an Air Force veteran, teacher, and lifelong resident of the Palmdale
Community, who has dedicated his life to serving his community and his country. His
passion lies in creating opportunities for all students to thrive in Mathematics and STEM
education.

Mr. Winheim’s students engage in high-quality core content and career exploration
every day. He ensures that his students are prepared to think analytically and
quantitatively because, as students in aviation STEM electives, they must practice and
apply the language of mathematics.

“I know it sounds cliché,” he explains, “but I want to give back to my community and
show these kids the job possibilities that are less than 40 miles from here. There is a
whole industry of aviation and Aeronautics that they don’t even know exists. All they see
is a community they can’t wait to leave, or won’t ever be able to get out of.  I want to
open their eyes to so much more.”

Because Matthew has been able to leverage his military connections in the area, he has
obtained simulator equipment to give his middle school students hands-on opportunities
to develop skills in maneuvers such as take-offs, landings, instrument readings, and
more. Soon they see possibilities that they never knew were there. Without even
realizing it, they are actually applying and using math and engineering skills that they
thought were “too hard.”

Watching students develop the technical skillsets and confidence in their abilities is a
highlight for Mr. Winheim and he enthusiastically recounts that these moments “inspire
students in the underserved areas of our high desert community to greatness.”