melanie
west
Educator| Leader| innovator
About Me
Melanie West is a native of Savannah, Georgia where she currently holds the distinct honor of being the state of Georgia’s English Teacher of the Year(2024) and the National English Teacher of Excellence (2024). She is also the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year for Hubert Middle School. Melanie is a grounded self-motivated, leader, writer, speaker, and educator who uses data and problem-solving skills to create unique solution based remedies for educators and community leaders.
Resume
Resume
education
education
Valdosta State University
education specialist (ed.S)
Teacher Leadership & Tier 1 Certificate
graduation December 2024
Savannah State University
bachelor of fine arts (b.f.a.)
Visual and Performing Arts, may 2013
Magna Cum Laude
Savannah State University
Master of science (m.S.)
Urban Studies and Planning, December 2018
Teaching philosophy
Teaching philosophy
“Knowledge is Power” Thomas Jefferson and “Education is the Key to Success” Solomon Ortiz. These two quotes are the foundation of my belief and philosophy when it comes to education. When one understands the value and recompense of education, he or she will be an equipped and valuable citizen, contributing great measures of triumph to one’s present and future. By grasping these quotes in their fullness, it has allowed me to change my trajectory. through this change, I am a teacher purposefully and intentionally to help All realize the power of education.
leadership style
leadership style
Melanie West is a transformational leader who uses coaching, modeling, and a heart of servanthood to achieve positive change in and out of the workplace.
Leadership
Initiatives
Leadership
Initiatives
The “I AM” Project
The “I AM” Project
The I Am Project is a student led schoolwide initiative with a goal to create a mind shift for all by adapting the art of speaking positive affirmations and refuting the negative thoughts that tend to creep and manifest daily. Students meet biweekly and assess the school’s climate , create affirmations, and design posters that reflect the climate they desire to see. The I Am team wholeheartedly believes if, faculty, staff, administration, and students practice positive affirmations every morning before, we have the power to change our mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional trajectory daily. By adopting these practices, we will build and foster a holistic environment of positive and growth mindsets which will create an environment for optimal learning schoolwide. Through our hard work and dedication, the I AM project is also the recipient of the Golden Arch Grant. We are excited for this grant for it well help us create our wellness room for our students which also help reinforce positive thinking and mindfulness. If you would like to donate to this project, please contact Melanie.West@sccpss.com.
student work
Golden Grant Recipient
Golden Grant Recipient
mindfulness
mindfulness
After
After
before
before
coaching
coaching
mediation
mediation
breathing
techniques
breathing
techniques
sound
meditation
sound
meditation
digital
journaling
digital
journaling
meditation
meditation
sensory
play
sensory
play
data
data
change in emotions/mood after leaving mindfulness room
testimonies
testimonies