Melissa Caldwell
Houston,TX
Summary
Accomplished education professional with extensive experience in the college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) landscape. Specializes in conducting CTE program quality reviews and devising innovative strategies to enhance student outcomes. Demonstrates proven expertise in instructional coaching, professional development, and program evaluation, consistently leading teams to achieve measurable results in CCMR and CTE programs. Excels at fostering collaborative partnerships, facilitating district-level professional development, and navigating state and federal policies pertaining to CCMR. Holds a Master's degree and Texas Educator Certification, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous learning and improving educational practices to support student success in postsecondary and career pathways.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CTE Facilitator
Spring Branch ISD
05.2022 - Current
- Curriculum Program Manager for CTE Programs to include Culinary Arts, Agriculture Science, Law Enforcement and STEM courses. Responsibilities include curriculum management, CCMR tracking, budgeting for programs, implementation of work-based learning in programs, and teacher professional development.
- Identified areas in need of improvement in programming as it relates to CTE program quality and CCMR status.
- Led the Proclamation 2024 review of Instructional Materials for CTE in SBISD including management of the process to ensure the district adheres to TEA guidelines
- Conduct regular review of curriculum resources to ensure quality standards are met per state requirements. Management of the curriculum cohort of teachers and introduce curriculum training, curriculum writing standards and management.
- Facilitate communication among stakeholders regarding curriculum updates and ensures that CTE written curriculum is managed on the district LMS, Canvas, and adheres to guidelines for copyright and High Quality instruction.
- Work with school administrators to determine course needs and equipment
- Regularly conduct professional development with teachers regarding best practices in instruction, state curriculum and standards updates.
Culinary Arts Teacher
Tomball ISD
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Developed CTE/Culinary Arts courses that followed the pathway to ensure students had the ability to reach "Completer" Status.
- Provided prompt and specific feedback to students on work and behavior.
- Used innovative techniques to motivate student interest and enthusiasm for subject.
- Adjusted instruction to facilitate student mastery.
- Planned relevant classroom activities and worked to reinforce lessons through active student engagement.
- Participated as a faculty advisor for FCCLA and supervised students participating in regional and state competitions
- Collaborated with colleagues and improved teaching practices through professional learning communities and student retention meetings.
Culinary Lecturer
The University of Houston
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Implemented instructional technologies in course delivery to engage and educate students.
- Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Presented at the AHLA Short Course conference, January 2020, as a presenter in Communications and Back of the House, Special Event Management
Culinary Arts Instructor
Spring Branch ISD
08.2013 - 05.2019
- Faculty member teaching all courses in the Culinary Arts pathway to include Culinary Arts, Advanced Culinary Arts and Practicum in Culinary Arts
- TEA curriculum writing committee member in 2015 for Culinary Arts TEKS updates. Provided testimony to the TEA in August 2015 (Austin, TX).
- Developed and implemented creative lesson plans to reach diverse student audience.
- Trained winning teams to participate in culinary competitions, developing student skills and confidence.
- Established standards for instructors in training and classroom management.
- Fostered positive learning environment by developing curriculum and instructional support that targeted and engaged students.
Assistant Director, Culinary Arts
The Art Institute of Houston
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Assisted in department management of 30 chef-instructors
- Responsibilities included procurement of consumables, scheduling, instructor observation, as well as maintain a full-time teaching schedule.
Education
Masters in Hospitality Management - undefined
The University of Houston, Conrad N. Hilton College
Houston, TX08.2005
Bachelor of Science - Food Management
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX05.2002
Skills
- Proven Educator with over 14 years experience in secondary and post-secondary education
- Administration experience in managing multiple CTE programs
- Ability to work with multiple program stakeholders including teachers, parents, business partners, and school/district administrators
- Analyzing program quality for Completion and CCMR implementation
- Professional Development implementation for teachers and administrators at the district and state level, including CTAT presentation
- Management of all CTE curriculum and instructional resources to ensure High Quality instructional strategies and CTE programming are implemented
Affiliations
- Career and Technical Association of Texas, Member
Certification
Texas Educator Certifcation
Trade and Industry, Culinary Arts, Grades 8 - 12
Principal as an Instructional Leader Candidate
In Progress, Estimated Completion, Summer 2025
Timeline
CTE Facilitator
Spring Branch ISD
05.2022 - Current
Culinary Arts Teacher
Tomball ISD
08.2021 - 05.2022
Culinary Lecturer
The University of Houston
08.2019 - 08.2021
Culinary Arts Instructor
Spring Branch ISD
08.2013 - 05.2019
Assistant Director, Culinary Arts
The Art Institute of Houston
01.2010 - 01.2013
Masters in Hospitality Management - undefined
The University of Houston, Conrad N. Hilton College
Texas Educator Certifcation
Trade and Industry, Culinary Arts, Grades 8 - 12
Principal as an Instructional Leader Candidate
In Progress, Estimated Completion, Summer 2025
Bachelor of Science - Food Management
Texas Christian University
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