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.

Collins completed her Bachelor of Science in early elementary education at Murray State University. She continued to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received her Master of Education in administration in 2005, then completed a Specialist of Education certification in district-level administration in 2008. Collins furthered her education at the University of Southern Mississippi by earning her doctorate in district-level administration in 2011. She is a National Board-Certified Teacher and a member of the illustrious group Delta Sigma Theta.

Aside from her dedication to teaching, Melissa enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, especially her son, in her spare time.