Melissa LaFollette
Maryville,TN
Summary
Innovative educator with strengths in curriculum design, educational technology, and student engagement. Demonstrated success in leading the implementation of new technologies and programs, while fostering organized, collaborative, and student-centered learning environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Library Media Specialist Montgomery Ridge
Maryville City Schools
Maryville, TN
08.2017 - Current
- Directed media and instructional services in the library.
- Implemented technology tools to enhance access to library resources and services.
- Built strong, supportive relationships with students while creating a positive and inclusive environment where all students felt welcomed and valued.
- Managed library budget to ensure effective resource allocation and planning.
- Supervised and mentored library teaching assistant.
- Attended conferences and subscribed to trade publications to maintain current knowledge of field. Last conference: TETC in Florida, January 2025.
- Provided standards-based ELA instruction across grades 4 through 7.
- Collaborated with teachers to determine appropriate ELA skills to cover, and appropriate library resources for curricular standards.
- Planned and facilitated author visits, book fairs, and One Book Blitz for classroom and enrichment activities.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge base of current trends in literature and media technologies.
- Curated diverse library collections to support student learning and curriculum needs.
Foothills Elementary School
Maryville City Schools
Maryville, TN
08.1995 - 05.2017
- 3rd Grade Teacher (2009–2017)
- Played a key role in launching and managing 1:1 device integration within the school setting to enhance digital learning and student engagement.
- Taught district-wide technology training for educators, providing instruction on effective classroom integration of digital tools and platforms.
- Utilized a wide range of instructional technology tools and educational software.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles and interests.
- Facilitated hands-on activities to enhance student understanding of core subjects.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans for 3rd-grade standards.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through inquiry-based activities.
- Utilized educational technology tools to support interactive learning experiences.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods and provided feedback.
- RTI Coordinator/Technology Coordinator (2008-2009)
- Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and management of educational technology to support teaching, learning, and administrative operations.
- Provide technical support and professional development for teachers and staff, including training on hardware, software, and digital tools, aligned with instructional goals.
- Coordinate maintenance, troubleshooting, and inventory management for all school technology devices (e.g., student devices, smartboards, printers, classroom tech).
- Manage school-wide systems such as student information systems (SIS), learning management systems (LMS), assessment platforms, and digital communication tools.
- Collaborate with administrators to ensure technology integration supports curriculum standards, and district-wide initiatives.
- Designed, implemented, and monitored a comprehensive multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to meet the academic and behavioral needs of all students.
- Collected and analyzed assessment data to identify students in need of intervention, and to evaluate the effectiveness of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, interventionists, and support staff to develop individualized intervention plans, and monitor student progress.
- Facilitated RTI team meetings, maintained documentation, and ensured fidelity of interventions aligned with district and state guidelines.
- 4th Grade Teacher/Technology Coordinator (2002-2006)
- Library Media Specialists (1995–1999)
8th Grade Classroom Teacher Whittle Springs Middle
Knox County Schools
Knoxville, TN
08.1992 - 05.1995
Education
EdS - Administrator PreK-12
Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN12-1995
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN05-1992
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN05-1991
Skills
- Team collaboration
- Educational technology
- Data analysis
- Curriculum development
- Innovative teaching
- Organizational skills
Accomplishments
- Selected for the 2024–2025 Teachers for Student Success cohort, a year-long education advocacy and policy leadership program through the Tennessee Department of Education, focused on equipping educators statewide with the tools and knowledge to influence education policy at the school, community, and state levels.
- Appointed teacher liaison to the Maryville City Schools Foundation, serving as a bridge between classroom educators and community stakeholders to support school initiatives and funding priorities.
- Developed curriculum and helped pioneer the role of elementary technology coordinator, shaping the integration of instructional technology and establishing foundational practices for tech leadership at the elementary level.
- Designed a classroom-based RTI program to support teacher-led academic and behavioral interventions aligned with MTSS practices.
- Completed Apple Educator training, gaining expertise in integrating Apple technology to enhance instruction and student engagement.
- Participated in a state-level committee focused on evaluating and updating 3rd grade Social Studies standards
- Regularly appointed to lead teams in planning, coordination, and decision-making efforts.
Certification
- 101 Elementary Education Grades 1-8
- 442 Beginning Administration PreK-12
- 073 Library K-12
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Library Media Specialist Montgomery Ridge
Maryville City Schools
08.2017 - Current
Foothills Elementary School
Maryville City Schools
08.1995 - 05.2017
8th Grade Classroom Teacher Whittle Springs Middle
Knox County Schools
08.1992 - 05.1995
EdS - Administrator PreK-12
Lincoln Memorial University
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Tennessee
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