My name is Melissa Bridges. I have been teaching since 2006. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a major in Science and a minor in Language Arts in 2003 from Central Michigan University. Upon graduating, I attended Wayne State University where I added a mathematics major and Middle-Level Education minor to my teaching certificate.

 

After completing my course work I relocated to North Carolina where I spent 4 years teaching middle school science and math for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. I also spent a year teaching middle school math in Union county before deciding to move back to Michigan with my family. Upon returning to Michigan I spent a year teaching middle school science, reading, and writing in Mount Morris Consolidated Schools. In 2017, I took a position with West Bloomfield Schools teaching Computer Science. In 2019, I transitioned into the role of the Digital Literacy Specialist for the middle school in West Bloomfield. In this position, I assisted students and staff with technology integration, upkept the media center, and created programing and initiatives for the media center to encourage students to read and participate in the Maker Movement. In 2022, I completed my Master in Education Technology degree at Michigan State University. I then decided that it was time for me to be closer to home and in the Fall of 2022 I began teaching 6th grade science for Oxford Community Schools.

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I have also worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, in settings that range from the classroom, to the pool, and to camp. After working with children of all ages, I have found that my heart has found its place in the “middle” working with young adolescents. I enjoy helping them on their searches to determine who they are and what they can and want to be. I also like helping children through this difficult time in their lives when they are experiencing numerous changes intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. It is crucial for them to have someone whom they can look to for help and guidance during this uneasy time in their lives, and I strive to be a good role model and person for them to look to for help when it is needed.

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When I am not at school I am busy spending time with my family. I have four very active boys and an inquisitive little girl, so we are constantly on the go. When I do get a little downtime to myself I enjoy reading and crafting. We also recently began camping with our kids, so I greatly enjoy warm weather and seeing where the road takes us.