Welcome to the Ironwood Ridge High School Library and Information Resource Center.  My name is Matt Ricker and I am the Librarian at Ironwood Ridge High School.  The 2024-2025 school year will be my 3rd year at Ironwood Ridge High School, but I began my teaching career in 2000 at a local high school and have worked in education, business (real estate), and government positions over the last 24 years.  I hold a BA in Economics and a BA in Spanish from the University of Virginia, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University, and an MA in Library and Information Science from the University of Arizona.

Originally from NW Chicago, I have lived in Richmond, VA and Portland, OR during my high school and early professional years.  Outside of school, I am an avid soccer fan, coach and player.  I have played soccer since the age of 4 and have coached club and high school soccer since 1998.  I also love cycling, hiking, golf, and scuba diving.  I plan to work towards becoming a PADI Divemaster in the future so that I can spend more time diving and traveling.  My favorite time spent outside of school, however, is spent with my wife and two daughters.  

Defining Moment in Education

As an undergraduate at UVA, I spent a summer semester living and studying Spanish history and culture in Valencia, Spain, which instilled in me a love of history, languages and learning.  Experiencing the museums and libraries of Spain made a deep impression on me.  This experience led me, twenty years later, to pivot towards seeking my MA LIS and working in libraries. 

Core Educational Beliefs

Information literacy is an essential skill in life and work.  Finding and evaluating information, being an accomplished reader, and being able to navigate databases and systems to find information is something that needs to be practiced and learned.  I enjoy helping students search our wonderful catalog and databases to find the books that they may need or conduct research for class.

Why Amphi?

Amphitheater School District has a rich history in the Tucson area and a clear vision for student achievement, as evidenced in the Amphitheater Portrait of a Graduate.  This is a shared vision for me in that  I believe that students should have essential well-rounded skills to achieve their goals.  Information literacy is a part of that vision.

IRHS Library

The IRHS Library is a shared academic space where the library staff, teachers, and students come for information resources and a quiet space for study and learning.  To those ideals we have certain rules that we adhere to out of respect for the space, staff, and other people.  Those guidelines are listed on the main library website on the homepage.  Our goal in the library is to create a comfortable atmosphere for students to gather, work, learn, and read.  We have a dedicated public puzzle table, chess boards, and plenty of seating. We are always excited to help you find what you need, take a look at a paper you may have due, or help with sources and citations for research projects. Feel free to come visit us!