Melissa

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Melissa is a warm and relational English teacher and homeschool mom who believes learning begins with knowing each student’s gifts and personality. She earned her degree in Secondary English Education from Bloomsburg University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and has taught students from ages 11 to 19 in writing, grammar, and literature. Melissa’s approach centers on compassion, encouragement, and individualized instruction, especially for learners with ADHD and giftedness. Outside of teaching, she loves baking shows like The Great British Baking Show and sharing creativity through cooking.

Tuesday--Friday 6pm-10pm EST
Saturdays 9am-3pm EST
Sundays 3pm-9pm EST

I love to approach teaching in a very relational way. It's about knowing the student and asking questions such as, "What're your gifts? What's your personality like?" In doing so, I can meet them where they are and help build on what's already established within them.

I studied four years at Bloomsburg University, where I graduated with Magna-Cum Laude in Secondary English Education. In my time there, I studied abroad in Ethiopia and Cameroon, where I participated in various classes and experiences that helped me work alongside women and children on their personal journeys, but also in their journeys with the English Language. After I graduated, I worked for almost five years at an inner-city, predominately Hispanic speaking school district, teaching English to students from ages 11-19. In 7th and 8th grade, the focus was primarily writing and grammar; however, when I was moved into the 9th grade, I was able to focus solely on literature. When my first son was born, I decided to stay home with him, and am now a full-time homeschool mom of four!

My role as an English teacher in a predominately Hispanic speaking school has stretched me to meet students where they are, rather than expecting them to be where the state demands them to be. I learned to patience and gentleness as I encouraged each student to be confident in themselves and work with what strengths with which they are already gifted. Additionally, my role as a full-time mom has opened many doors with other family friends to come to me in need of help with writing, reading, and creating as they continue in their education. Currently, I am working through my own journey as a homeschool mom, teaching my own children to read and write, and building on their skills and abilities, as well as strengthening their areas of need.

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Melissa
$149.00 USD

Subject Expertise

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ELA
ELA
Handwriting
Handwriting
IB English
IB English
Writing
Writing

My mission

The next generation of learners holds so much potential to help us grow and flourish in humanity. My passion for children and teens gives me the ability to really get to know them and how they're able to use their gifts and personalities in a way that helps them learn, grow, and adapt in an ever-changing world.

My Story

I grew up in a relatively large family. I was the the youngest girl, and the fourth in line, so I was often left to explore my surroundings independently and adapt quickly to whatever circumstance arose. Often, when I'd play and explore independently, I would pretend to be in school. Of course, I was the teacher. My Gram used to say, "If you won't be a nurse, you better be a school teacher someday!" And here we are, 30 years later, and I am living out one of her deepest desires for me. I chose to be a teacher because of my passion for kids and teenagers. I think they are so fun, and so complex, too! The desire to love them and meet them where they are is the drive behind my passion. Every teen and child deserves to know that someone is there for them, cheering them on, and actively pursuing them. I experienced the beauty of having a solid support team through life, and I want to be a part of that kind of team for the next generation.

Cognitive Diversity

How I adapt to students with diverse intellectual needs.

In every lesson, it's imperative to meet the student where they are at in their own learning journey. Every child is born with giftings and strengths that give them the ability to accomplish tasks and learn new things. Working with those and meeting the student where they are bridges the gap between what is current in their education, and where they can go or what's expected of them in their education. My heart is to know the student and allow them to direct their own education, as I work to facilitate that. Every child has differences, whether they are learning deficits, preferences, or simply cultural, and my goal as an educator is to help that student in their confidence as a learner.

Melissa Sample Lesson

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