Melissa McKeown is currently working as an AIG Specialist in Asheboro City Schools, Asheboro NC. Ms. McKeown was recognized as a Milken Educator while teaching third grade. Since then she has taught in a computer lab, served as an instructional technology facilitator assisting teachers with technology integration, returned to the classroom to teach 4th, 5th and 6th grade math. Ms. McKeown has extensive experience teaching workshops and presenting at local and national conferences. However, her favorite role is supporting teachers as they design lessons and meet the diverse needs of all learners in the classroom. Ms. McKeown is a lifelong learner fulfilling her passion as an educator, but looks forward to retirement that is on the horizon, when she will travel and serve others in the community through local nonprofit organizations.
After 6 years out of the regular elementary classroom, I am returning to this environment and look forawrd to using all of the resources and skills I have learned in the past few years.
I feel strongly that teachers need career opportunities like the ones described in the TAP program through the Milken Foundation. Many educational systems, I believe, can't see the forest through the trees, so to speak. It is widely recognized that change is needed, but the act of changing is almost impossible. It is simply easier to say "but this is the way it has always been done" than to look at the big picture and explore options for improvement.
I thoroughly enjoy the dialogue that occurs through the Milken Listserve. Thank you for this service and opportunity to keep in touch with other educators around the country.
1998 University of North Carolina - Greensboro, M.A.
1994 University of North Carolina - Charlotte, B.A.
