Melanie Garza
Dallas
Summary
Public policy graduate student and educator with experience in data-informed instruction and institutional research support. Focused on criminal justice and education systems reform.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
English I Teacher (P-Tech/Advanced)
Dallas ISD
08.2024 - Current
- Teach ~130 early-college students annually in a rigorous, TEKS-aligned English I course.
- Led campus English I teachers in STAAR passage rate through targeted, data-driven supports.
- Supported ~35 students in passing the TSIA2, increasing access to dual-credit coursework.
- Analyze assessment data to design interventions that improve benchmark mastery.
- Designed and facilitated professional development on AVID instructional practices.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
Corps Member
Teach for America
05.2024 - Current
- Selected for a competitive national service program emphasizing educational equity and leadership development.
- Applied instructional leadership and advocacy training to improve classroom outcomes in partnership with Dallas ISD.
Administrative Assistant
Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center - SMU Dedman School of Law
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Assisted with the coordination of professional events, including a symposium on AI in the legal field attended by attorneys, researchers, and policy experts.
- Supported administrative operations by updating standard operating procedures and tracking projects through Asana.
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff, and greeting visitors.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Policy
Southern Methodist University
Dallas05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Human Rights
Southern Methodist University
05.2024
Skills
- Policy analysis
- Qualitative and quantitative research
- Program evaluation
- Data analysis (Excel, Google Sheets)
- Academic writing
- Project coordination (Asana)
Certification
- English Language Arts (7-12)
- Certified by Texas Education Agency
Timeline
English I Teacher (P-Tech/Advanced)
Dallas ISD
08.2024 - Current
Corps Member
Teach for America
05.2024 - Current
Administrative Assistant
Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center - SMU Dedman School of Law
01.2024 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Human Rights
Southern Methodist University
Master of Arts - Public Policy
Southern Methodist University