Spotlights
Melissa Harris '06
Employer
Baltimore City Public Schools
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
I interned in the Senate on the Paul B. Henry Scholarship
following graduation and started graduate school at the University of
Maryland, Baltimore County, immediately after. I graduated with a
Master's of Public Policy in 2008 and worked at a nonprofit in
Baltimore City for three years before deciding to become a teacher. I
earned an alternative certification through the Baltimore City
Teaching Residency and started teaching high school history in 2010.
Since then I've become a highly qualified, tenured teacher with
certifications in social studies, English to Speakers of other
Languages, and Special Education. I have recently finished a Master's
of Education in Reading and am also a Literacy Specialist. I have
built my professional qualifications around being able to support the
students who are most likely to drop out: English language learners
and students with special education needs, especially ELLs with
undiagnosed learning disabilities.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
The years have changed most of my memories into fond ones,
including walking from my dorm to my class with wet hair that was
frozen solid by the time I crossed Little Mac. Rollerblading the
parking lots and ravine stomping with friends were such wonderful
moments. Studying in the library all night during finals when there
were free snacks was a highlight of each semester, too! Academically,
I loved having classes with amazing professors who had so many life
experiences in the fields they were teaching us about. My classmates
were also incredible. Learning about modern-day nonviolent resistance
from Erion Veliaj was a very formative experience for me. I have a
tattoo of the MJAFT! symbol that reminds me that one person really can
change the world.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Every life has seasons, just like the Earth. Don't be hard on
yourself if you're in a season of healing and need extra time.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Inspirational, well-rounded, foundational
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I want to continue to educate students that some teachers don't
know how to help. Everyone can learn with the right supports, and
helping a student build that confidence changes the course of their
entire life.
February 2021
Interest Area(s)
Political Science
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