Melissa Salmon

I have been teaching for 20 years, married for 26, a mother of two children, and a grandmother to four beautiful children, soon to be five! I attended the State University of NY at New Paltz, where I got my Bachelor' Degree in Education and moved to Florida in 1999, where I began teaching. I then attended the University of Phoenix for my Masters Degree in Supervision and Leadership. I have taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th ELA & Math, 7th Math, 8th Math, and Algebra. I volunteer as a Board Member to Marjorie's Hope, with the donation of 3500 backpacks to all Pasco County needy students, and at a free clothing boutique for all Pasco County Board employees.

I continually am amazed at my students. They strive to achieve so much with so little. I have always taught at a Title 1 school where the poverty rate is steadily increasing. Many of my students come from broken homes, being raised by a grandparent(s), a parent incarcerated, and more, and often arrive to school hungry and look forward to seeing a constant in their life.

I strive, every day, to be the one person in their life that they are able to count on. I give them a lot of responsibility, but know through creating a personal connection, they will always achieve success. During lunches, I will often have students eat lunch with me, so that we are able to "get to know one another" on a more personal level, rather than an educational level, as they often are looking for someone who will listen and not judge, but also give some gentle advice. During the school year, I offer free tutoring twice a week, so they are able to advance in mathematics.

In creating a warm environment in the classroom, through flexible seating and decor, the students feel valued and know they aren't required to sit in a class that is stagnant and "old With your generous support, I will be able to create this warm and inviting environment for all 125 students, on a daily basis. I have been teaching for 20 years, married for 26, a mother of two children, and a grandmother to four beautiful children, soon to be five! I attended the State... read more