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

school initiative

school initiative

click here

click here

data

data

Number 95 Percent
Up

change in emotions/mood after leaving mindfulness room

testimonies

testimonies