Teacher of the Week: Melissa Morin

Melissa Morin

1st Grade Teacher, West Villages Elementary

On reaching another level: Last December, I completed my Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University. This was a challenging experience but I learned many skills to help with my career. I recently just finished a training course with other fellow Barnstable teachers. The course was about teaching students who are English Language Learners. Many of the strategies I learned about are useful for all students in my classroom.

On buddying up: Currently, my first graders are involved with being book buddies with a fourth grade classroom at the Horace Mann Charter School. This is a great opportunity for first graders to form friendships with other students, practice reading skills, and have fun!

On being successful: There are many keys on my keychain for success! One key is staying organized. My day flows better and I’m focused on what I’m doing with my students.  Another key is that I truly love what I do every day and my students can see that. I’m having fun learning with them and that gets my students invested in the learning process. In first grade, a must have key to success is being creative when planning lessons. Students are more engaged and excited about learning if they are enjoying themselves.

I have worked at other schools in the district before coming to West Villages. The most important key to success that I carry with me is the collaboration within this district with my former and current colleagues. This is my second year teaching first grade and I owe a thank you to all the other teachers who have helped me become successful with teaching. I feel lucky to work with many hardworking teachers who are very special to me.

On the most rewarding investment: My job doesn’t end when I walk out of my building. My mind is constantly thinking about different lessons I want to teach, how I can improve on something, and ways to reach each individual learner. Teachers are very invested in student learning and it goes beyond the hours we work each day. Even after a long day of teaching, preparing lessons, and having meetings, I still leave feeling that I made a difference in a child’s life. This is a rewarding profession and I love what I do every day when I walk into my classroom.