Meet Maestra Doran.
¡Hola! My name is Melissa Doran, and I am very excited for this school year at TK! I will be teaching Spanish 1 and 2 at the high school, and I am extra excited because I will be teaching in the same classroom where I did my student teaching 3 years ago.
I am from the south side of Chicago but now call Grand Rapids home. I attended Chicago Christian High School and earned my degrees in Secondary Spanish Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids.
My husband and I got married last year, and shortly after we moved to Spain where I taught everything from first grade science in English to high school art in English for the past year. We just moved back to Grand Rapids in June and have been enjoying seeing family and friends again. But we really miss the tapas and siestas!
With my passion for teaching, I inspire my students to achieve their best both in and out of the classroom. I am continuously learning new concepts to improve my teaching skills. I like to learn from others who have more experience than me in a specific topic, but I also like to learn alongside of those who are working through a new idea or concept. Each year I look forward to building new relationships with students and strengthening the ones in place.
When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me traveling, playing basketball, baking, crafting or playing with my puppy, Tesla. She is the best dog ever, and she speaks Spanish!
I am from the south side of Chicago but now call Grand Rapids home. I attended Chicago Christian High School and earned my degrees in Secondary Spanish Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids.
My husband and I got married last year, and shortly after we moved to Spain where I taught everything from first grade science in English to high school art in English for the past year. We just moved back to Grand Rapids in June and have been enjoying seeing family and friends again. But we really miss the tapas and siestas!
With my passion for teaching, I inspire my students to achieve their best both in and out of the classroom. I am continuously learning new concepts to improve my teaching skills. I like to learn from others who have more experience than me in a specific topic, but I also like to learn alongside of those who are working through a new idea or concept. Each year I look forward to building new relationships with students and strengthening the ones in place.
When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me traveling, playing basketball, baking, crafting or playing with my puppy, Tesla. She is the best dog ever, and she speaks Spanish!
Personal Goals.
- Inspire students.
- Prepare students for success in future Spanish classes.
- Design active learning opportunities for all students.
- Integrate useful technology in the classroom.
- Always be patient, fair and kind.
Teaching Philosophy.
To put it real simple, teaching is 100% for the students. I believe learning occurs best in a positive classroom environment where students are engaged in learning daily. With a focus on the individual student and through cooperative learning, students will be able to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.
I believe that every student is capable of learning, and I will be there to encourage and guide them in that process. A goal of mine is to prepare my students to become lifelong learners by providing them with opportunities to be challenged and succeed in every type of situation.
Overall, I will show respect to all students as I guide them in the task of learning Spanish. I will promote respect both in and out of the classroom, and we will celebrate diversity as we discover how to relate to people from different cultures and backgrounds.
I believe that every student is capable of learning, and I will be there to encourage and guide them in that process. A goal of mine is to prepare my students to become lifelong learners by providing them with opportunities to be challenged and succeed in every type of situation.
Overall, I will show respect to all students as I guide them in the task of learning Spanish. I will promote respect both in and out of the classroom, and we will celebrate diversity as we discover how to relate to people from different cultures and backgrounds.