Teacher Spotlight on Dana Melone, MAT, MS

For me it is the knowledge that for many students this will be the only psychology course they take.  I want to make sure that they understand the science of psychology and leave my room understanding more about their own thoughts and actions and the actions of others.  I believe psychology has the ability to create more empathy and understanding in our world while also [encouraging students to learn] to hold ourselves accountable. I also love all of the hands-on demonstrations and labs that really immerse students in the topic.

It is hard to pick just one lesson.  I really love the sensation and perception unit because it is so hands on and students often do not realize how much of psychology intertwines with biology.  It also provides them with demonstrations that help them understand that we can all take in the same information but interpret it differently due to culture and life experiences.  This is important for them as they leave high school and enter the world.  They need to know that their world view is not the only world view.  They also need to know that what they see can often override their other senses.  I think that is why the lesson I turned in for my application (PDF, 999KB)opens in new window focuses so heavily on visual capture.

Join TOPSS!  Go to local and regional networking events.  Use vetting rubrics.  Make every lesson your own.  All teachers garner ideas from each other, but we are most authentic when we transform it into our own style while still giving credit to those who came up with the original idea.  Do not be afraid to tell a student that you do not know an answer, but then find out the answer and get back to them.

I am really proud of the things I have done in my career.  Winning this award is such an honor because it is not only about a resume or a lesson plan but also about the greater community of my school, coworkers, and students.  My school has really believed in me and to have their support means a lot.  The list of teachers that have won this award in the past is incredible and I feel humbled and proud to be among them.  I also believe that it shows that teachers are so much more than what we see in the classroom each day.  We are working and growing and contributing to the fields we teach in, in so many ways.

I want to learn more, I want to meet great people.  All of these things make me better at my job and help me continue to be a learner with my students.