Melissa Mitchell

Norfolk Public Schools (VA)

Melissa Mitchell is the Elementary History Teacher Specialist for Norfolk Public Schools in Norfolk, VA. She earned her B.A. from Virginia Wesleyan University and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Averett University. As a Teacher Specialist, Melissa provides support to the district’s elementary teachers by developing instructional materials, providing professional development and classroom coaching, and working with students in the area of History and Social Science. Prior to this position, Melissa taught fifth grade for fifteen years at Bay View Elementary in Norfolk, where she was selected as the 2016 Teacher of the Year and named to the Top Ten Teaching Team for the district.

In addition to her work in Norfolk, Melissa has served on several committees for the Virginia Department of Education and was awarded the 2017 Sunburst Educator of the Year for her work with military students through Young Audiences Arts for Learning Virginia. Melissa spent her years in the elementary classroom striving to expand her knowledge of pedagogical practices in the area of history instruction. This drive motivated her to attend numerous teacher institutes, conferences, and workshops in the quest to improve her craft. Among her favorites are the Summer Teacher Institutes at Jamestown and Williamsburg. Melissa’s favorite history topics are Virginia and U.S. History.

She has a strong interest in learning about the historical people behind the scenes and can often be found sharing her knowledge with the teachers in her district. A life-long learner herself, Melissa has passed on her love of history to her two children. Family vacations often include visits to museums and historical attractions. Luckily, her husband shares her enthusiasm for history and is always game for a bit of learning on their trips. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys camping, reading, watching sports, and loving on her two dogs, Wrigley and Lincoln