Rosa Parks Elementary – Melanie Meador, second grade

Melanie Meador teaches second grade at Rosa Parks Elementary, where she is also its 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year.

“I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher ever since I was little. I am a Union Lifer and grew up with the most amazing teachers who inspired me to follow my passion,” Meador said. “I have always wanted to make a real difference in children’s lives. I love seeing that spark in them when they discover something new. I am a big believer in kids learning best through play and I get to experience that every day. I can’t imagine any other profession that I get the opportunity to be a part of so many children’s lives and partake in the beginning journeys of their futures.”

 How is teaching different this year?

“I feel like it is finally starting to feel ‘normal’ again,” she said. “Over the last two years, we have seen a decrease in our family community engagement. This year as a school building, we are striving to increase our family and community engagement by increasing participation in family events, communication, and our school functions. This year we hope to reach out and serve as many families as possible.:

Meador started teaching at Union Public Schools when she graduated in 2017.

Meador attended Oklahoma State University and received her Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science degree with an option in Early Childhood Education in 2017. “I hope to start a master’s degree program in the next few years. I am still undecided on which program,” she said.