Melissa V. Smith
Clarksville,TN
Summary
Spanish educator with active Tennessee teaching license (PreK–12) and ongoing Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, expected 2026. Expertise in curriculum design, differentiation strategies, and data-driven interventions. Successfully launched Spanish-language programs in Clarksville, enhancing student empowerment through real-world aligned instruction. Committed to professional development and collaboration, fostering effective learning environments and cultural immersion.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Spanish Instructor & Program Coordinator
Clarksville Community Programs
Clarksville, TN
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Founded and led Spanish language programs in local libraries and recreation centers.
- Developed standards-aligned and culturally responsive curriculum tied to real-world and career applications.
- Empowered students to teach Spanish in community settings, strengthening leadership and communication skills.
- Used data and continuous assessment to adjust lessons and provide targeted support.
- Built partnerships with civic and educational organizations to expand access to multilingual programming.
- Integrated public policy knowledge to align program goals with community needs and educational equity efforts.
Foreign Language Instructor
Northwest High School
Clarksville, TN
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Delivered rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that supported academic, social-emotional, and personal growth.
- Differentiated learning for ILPs, PLPs, IEPs, ELL students, and MTSS tiers.
- Created a positive, structured classroom culture built on compassion, professionalism, and high expectations.
- Collaborated with Student Support Teams, MTSS teams, and families to address academic and behavioral needs.
- Designed lessons connected to healthcare, nursing, and real-world applications.
- Monitored student progress, maintained accurate records, and communicated regularly with families.
- Engaged in professional learning communities, coaching cycles, and reflective practice.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN08-2026
Master of Arts in Teaching - Instruction & Curriculum
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN05-2020
Bachelor of Arts - English
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN12-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN12-2017
Skills
- Fluent Spanish instruction
- Standards-based curriculum design
- Differentiation strategies
- Community program development
- Public policy advocacy
- Data-driven instructional interventions
- Student empowerment and engagement
- Collaborative teamwork
- Continuous professional growth
- MTSS and RTI practices
- Data-driven instruction
- Social-emotional learning support
- Cross-cultural communication
- High expectations and growth mindset
- Classroom culture management
- Family engagement strategies
- Start-up school initiative
- Google Workspace proficiency
- Microsoft Office expertise
- Student information systems management
Websites
Certification
Tennessee Teaching License, Spanish (PreK–12), Current & Active
Technical Skills
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Office
- Student information systems
- Assessment platforms
Research Interests
- Educational leadership
- Multilingual education
- Community-based programming
- Equity in student access
Languages
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Fluent)
Professional Qualities
- Deep belief in student potential and educational equity
- Enthusiastic educator committed to transformational learning
- Strong alignment with NursesMC mission and values
- Responsive, empathetic, and student-centered
- Receptive to feedback; committed to growth
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Comfortable in start-up environments; flexible and proactive
Leadership And Community Engagement
- Creator and coordinator of Clarksville multilingual community programming.
- Developed partnerships with libraries, city officials, and youth organizations to elevate language education access.
- Facilitated youth-led teaching initiatives promoting diversity, leadership, and cultural exchange.
- Advocated for multilingual education through public policy awareness and community engagement.
Timeline
Spanish Instructor & Program Coordinator
Clarksville Community Programs
08.2022 - 05.2025
Foreign Language Instructor
Northwest High School
08.2022 - 05.2025
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Austin Peay State University
Master of Arts in Teaching - Instruction & Curriculum
Austin Peay State University
Bachelor of Arts - English
Austin Peay State University
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Austin Peay State University