MOUNTAIN VIEW — As students grow, develop and become functional on their own, they must develop their life skills or skills necessary for managing and living a better quality of life.

For some students, this is more of a challenge and they need additional help in developing these skills. This is where Matt Clark, in the special ed department of MVHS comes into play.

Clark is new to the district, and he is new to the challenge as this is his first year in both. Clark had previously taught Spanish in Newcastle. But as the wheel turns, the step into the special ed department at MVHS was a breakthrough in his lifestyle, according to Clark Monday. He said he was a terrific career change and went with his plans as he had previously applied to pursue a master degree at UW in special education.

Clark said his wife had gotten a teaching position at Mountain View, and the position at the high school for himself was “a wonderful opportunity.”

“I really like working with the kids,” Clark said. “They lighten up my day. They make me laugh.”

Clark said he has five students this year under his care in which he teaches life skills. The areas covered, includes things like job training and learning skills, “…things they will need for the future and for success in life after high school.”

Students in the special ed department get a certificate of completion after they finish their four-year high school career, Clark said.

Through the class under Clark, students learn how to do resumes, sometimes get the opportunity to go out and work in the community, work on their cognitive or physical disability, learn how to take care of things like housing and manage their own affairs.

Any skill that is useful in your life can be considered a life skill. They can be as simple as tying your shoelaces and bigger issues such as managing their finances.