Melanie Mann Landrum - College of Education (COE)

 

Degree: Master of Arts, Education Curriculum and Instruction Science, ('86)

Ph.D. Coursework, Educational Psychology and Research, ('86)

Post-Graduate Certification, Administration and Supervision, ('89)

Retired Executive Director, Arkansas A+ Schools

Why did you choose the University of Memphis for your studies?

In 1980, I was working for Memphis City Schools as a teacher at Florida Elementary and was chosen to be a Science Curriculum Specialist because of my work there and the fact that as an undergraduate at Rhodes College (then Southwestern at Memphis) my major was in pre-medicine studies.  My job was to set up science labs and train teachers at various elementary schools in how to teach hands on guided discovery science to elementary students.  As a part of this program, I was enrolled in specialized courses at the University of Memphis addressing science content in Physics, Chemistry, Life Science and Earth Science.  These courses were designed as a partnership with Memphis City Schools and the University of Memphis. After completing these courses, I continued my studies to earn a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialty in Science.  When the Science Improvement Project ended, I was selected to be an Assistant Principal in three elementary schools over the course of five years.  Once again, I selected the University of Memphis to become credentialed in Educational Leadership.  Finally, I completed the coursework for a doctorate in Educational Psychology but my work in Arkansas kept me from completing my dissertation.

What is a favorite or meaningful memory from your time there?

The professors that I had there were always very well prepared and provided meaningful feedback. I never felt that I couldn’t contact them if I needed clarification or further explanation.

How did your experience at UofM prepare or shape you for the work you do now?

I am currently retired but the work that my time at the University of Memphis allowed me to do in service to students and teachers of both Memphis and the state of Arkansas included:

Memphis:

Science Curriculum Specialist (3 years)

Assistant Principal (3 school sites; 5 years)

Principal (2 school sites; 13 years)

Arkansas:

State Department of Education School Improvement Specialist (Literacy and Leadership Statewide 4 years)

North Little Rock Principal (1 site 4 years)

Thea Foundation- Executive Director of Arkansas A+ Schools supervising Art Integration Specialists, securing grant funding from the state and the Walton Family Foundation and working with various schools across the state (4 years)

University of Arkansas- Executive Director of Arkansas A+ Schools (The U of A took over the project from the Thea Foundation, two years before retirement.  The project is still in existence.)