Melissa's vision is to bring a world class education system to all students by respecting and elevating the teaching profession so that every child receives guidance and instruction from a master teacher and receive ongoing coaching. She has realized this possibility by transforming her own classroom, and most recently by leading change school-wide.THE NUMBERSUnder her leadership, middle school mastery in math district-wide increased by 10%. The following year, when she fully transitioned into a Principal role, students improved an additional 12%. In 2019, middle school student mastery in math maintained at 30%. In 2009, 85% of her 8th grade science students scored proficient or advanced on the California Standardized Test. In 2010, 87% of her 8th grade science students scored proficient or advanced on the CST. In 2011, 97% of her 8th grade science students scored proficient or advanced AND 84% of her 7th grade pre-algebra students scored proficient or advanced on the CST. In 2012, 87% of her 8th grade science students scored proficient or advanced on the CST. In 2013, she increased achievement and closed the learning gap among all 8th grade Algebra 1 students by over 50%. The number of students she has served in each year since becoming a classroom teacher has nearly tripled. THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTMelissa believes in order for her students to be competitive, teachers themselves need to be competitive and model what it takes to succeed. Melissa has dedicated herself to becoming not only an outstanding classroom teacher, but also an outstanding community member. Having proven mastery in the classroom and organization-wide, she has expanded her personal and professional development into policy work and service to others through local and national organizations.