Melissa Thompson

Melissa Thompson

Fellowship Placement: U.S. Department of Defense
Hometown: Stevensville, MD

Melissa Thompson has been teaching for 15 years and is currently an elementary school STEM leader for Baltimore City Public Schools located in Baltimore, Maryland. She created the STEAM Taskforce to coordinate a well-rounded STEAM enrichment program, taking students outside to learn transdisciplinary curricula. The STEAM Taskforce facilitated programs such as beekeeping, composting, hydroponics, animal rehabilitation, animal husbandry and community gardens. Melissa tied outdoor programs to current recognized standards to give students a 360-degree learning experience. Melissa worked directly with Great Kids Farm, a subset of Baltimore City Public Schools, to provide outdoor education for thousands of city school students. During her time at BCPS, she has developed transdisciplinary community-based programs in collaboration with national and state-level nonprofit organizations. She has partnered with the Whole Kids Foundation, National Park Service, National Aquarium, University of Maryland and other entities focused on expanding outdoor education. Melissa has worked with businesses, activists, researchers and scientists throughout the nation to ensure students have a voice in their learning pathways.  Melissa has served as part of multiple committees for Baltimore City Public Schools and the Maryland State Department of Education. After being awarded as a Teacher of the Year finalist, Melissa was recognized by the Baltimore Ravens “Sacks for Science” program and received a Mayoral Salute for her work in Baltimore communities. In 2020, Melissa received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching award administered by the National Science Foundation and the President of the United States. Melissa earned a B.S. in Biology; B.S. in Science Education; and M.S. in Computer and Mathematical Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned her Administration I Certification from Towson University. Melissa is certified to teach K-12 and higher education in the disciplines of general science, chemistry, PLTW and special education. She has designed professional development programming and public events for organizations across the state of Maryland. Melissa looks forward to expanding on transdisciplinary integration, professional development and community partnerships for locations across the nation through her placement at the Department of Defense- Naval Sea Systems Command.