Melissa Sharp
High School Science Teacher
Lubbock High School
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I received a BS in biochemistry with the intention of going to medical school. My brother was in a serious accident my senior year. I was forced to find a job and worked in labs for ten years.
I worked shift work in the lab and had no one to watch my children at night after being divorced. I was forced to withdraw my 401K, relocate, and take a lesser paying job as an environmental chemist.
I went back to night school to receive my post-baccalaureate degree in education. I was required to complete 8 hours of geology in order to earn a composite science 6-12 certification.
After teaching and coaching for four years, I decided to attend graduate school. I joined the MSCI cohort 3 and earned a MS in multi-disciplinary science while serving as a Science Teacher Mentor.
Over the course of my teaching career I have taught 6-8 grade science, IPC, and Biology at Cavazos and Frenship Middle Schools. I now teach Astronomy and Chemistry at my alma mater, Lubbock High.
Education
High School
Lubbock High School
Lubbock High School
Graduate
MS in Multi-disciplinary Science
Texas Tech University
MS in Multi-disciplinary Science
Texas Tech University
Certification/License
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Junior High/High School Science
Texas Tech University
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Junior High/High School Science
Texas Tech University
Career
High School Science Teacher
I teach on level Astronomy and Chemistry.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Technology
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I teach two 50 minute classes of Astronomy and four classes of Chemistry to a diverse group of students. This includes creating activities, planning lessons in PLC, grading, reteaching, and tutoring before and after school and during RTI. I also serve as a substitute on campus when there is a shortage.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
During college observations, co-teaching, and and student teaching are a must. Don't be afraid to observe teachers in other content areas. Volunteer and get involved at your assigned campus. Apply and interview anywhere there is a need in your content area.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"You are too smart to teach. You are wasting your education and not getting paid enough for what you do. You need to go to medical school like you planned."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
