Melissa Simpher
Pearl River
Summary
Dynamic educator with a track record of fostering student success and engagement through innovative teaching and effective classroom management. At PRHS and the University of New Orleans, enhanced critical thinking and academic performance by integrating problem-based learning. Skilled in curriculum creation, consistently pursued professional development to stay at the forefront of educational trends.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Professor
University of New Orleans
08.2021 - Current
- Taught U.S. History and World History courses, providing instruction to up to 75 undergraduate students.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
Teacher
St. Tammany Public Schools
08.2009 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
Teacher in Gifted Social Science
Lee County Public Schools
11.2002 - 05.2009
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
Education
No Degree - Master of Gifted Education
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LAMaster of Arts - Social Studies Education
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL05-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies
University of South Florida
Tampa08-1996
Skills
- Online teaching
- Curriculum creation
- Innovative teaching
- Classroom management
Accomplishments
PRHS Teacher of the Year 2015 & 2021
Gifted Department Head for PRHS
Social Studies Department Head 2014-Present
National ACT Coordinator for PRHS
Community Service Diploma Endorsement Coordinator
NHS Club Sponsor
Facta non Verba Club Sponsor
iLEAP remediation Social Studies teacher
Saturday Detention Teacher
PRHS Senior Trip Coordinator
Homebound Social Studies Teacher 2009-2014
Educational Field Trips - domestic and abroad
Certification
- Gifted and Talented Education Certification (GATE) - Florida and Louisiana Department of Education.
- State Teaching Certification or License - Florida and Louisiana Department of Education.
- Safe Schools Training Certificate - Various Safety Organizations.
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
University of New Orleans
08.2021 - Current
Teacher
St. Tammany Public Schools
08.2009 - Current
Teacher in Gifted Social Science
Lee County Public Schools
11.2002 - 05.2009
- Gifted and Talented Education Certification (GATE) - Florida and Louisiana Department of Education.
- State Teaching Certification or License - Florida and Louisiana Department of Education.
- Safe Schools Training Certificate - Various Safety Organizations.
No Degree - Master of Gifted Education
Northwestern State University
Master of Arts - Social Studies Education
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies
University of South Florida
Similar Profiles
Elizabeth DubuissonElizabeth Dubuisson
Student Research Assistant at University Of New OrleansStudent Research Assistant at University Of New Orleans
Tamike PalmerTamike Palmer
Chemistry Lab Student Assistant at University of New OrleansChemistry Lab Student Assistant at University of New Orleans
Kathleen McCartyKathleen McCarty
English Instructor at University of New OrleansEnglish Instructor at University of New Orleans