MEET MELISSA COLLINS
Melissa Collins is a second-grade teacher at John P. Freeman Optional School in Memphis, Tennessee. Her classroom is her “happy place,” where she enjoys working with her bright, brilliant urban students. She promotes scholars who use problem-solving to create change in the world. She is an expert in teacher leadership and voice, and she advocates for global learning; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education; and high standards for all students. She believes STEM is for all, and she collaborates with several organizations to promote and advocate for STEM education. She founded the Future Leaders of STEM program, which is responsible for organizing a white coat ceremony for students who have been accepted into the program. During this event, STEM experts who share a similar background with the students coat and pin them. The program involves a series of monthly activities such as competitions, meetings with experts, hands-on activities, and field experiences.
PASSIONATE ABOUT
HONORS AND AWARDS
AUTHOR
Your Teacher Leadership Journey
A Blueprint for Growth and Success
Build your success as a teacher leader with the practical advice in this book. Award-winning educator Melissa Collins shows how you can grow in your role by fostering relationships with colleagues, organizations, and mentors. She also spotlights rock star educators. She offers thorough advice on a wide variety of topics such as finding the right support, building your reputation, reinventing yourself, knowing your purpose, and developing leadership mindsets. She also explains how to manage your time wisely, build a network, enact purposeful practice, and, most of all, dare to dream. Appropriate for teachers at any level of their career who want to take on a larger role in their school or beyond, the book’s honest anecdotes and step-by-step suggestions will put you on the right path, so teacher leaders can develop in their careers and help their students thrive.
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Educational Consultant
Working with Dr. Melissa Collins has been an absolute privilege. Her exceptional knowledge, unwavering commitment, and extraordinary work ethic have elevated our collaboration to new heights, making her an invaluable asset to any team.
Former Student
Dr. Collins has been an influential teacher, role model, and mentor for me and many other former students for the past 20 years. I have observed her dedication and commitment to her students and colleagues, particularly in the STEM program at John P. Freeman, which has been excellent. She is an inspiration and a godsend to the Memphis Shelby County City School students.
Former Parent
Dr. Melissa Collins is an exceptional educator who teaches her students and cares for them deeply. She goes above and beyond to introduce her students to various fields and areas of study that they may not have encountered before. Many of her former students return to visit her after college to inspire and encourage her current students, telling them they can achieve great success if they listen to Dr. Collins' advice and guidance.
Colleague
Dr. Collins is an exceptional educator dedicated to empowering students and enabling them to reach their full potential. Her love and support for her students are evident in everything she does, and she also maintains high standards and expectations for them. Through her teaching and guidance, she inspires other educators to replicate her success in all areas of learning. Melissa is a generous person who shares all her knowledge and experience with her colleagues to help them make education better for all. She is truly an inspiration to the profession.