STAFF

Melissa Leeflang

Fourth Grade

I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was eight years old. My third-grade teacher had a huge impact on me. She taught us to “reach for the stars” and inspired me to encourage my students to accomplish the same goal.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah in 2003. After graduating, I taught fourth grade in Salt Lake City for four amazing years while I completed my master’s degree in educational curriculum as well as an English as a second language endorsement. I also worked with the Adobe Youth Voices program to receive my technology endorsement.

I began teaching at Lincoln Academy ten years ago as a first-grade teacher and moved to fourth grade a few years ago. I believe in providing my students with a practical education by connecting teaching and learning to the real-world. I love seeing my students’ faces when they learn and understand a new concept. I apply hands-on and collaborative learning activities to create connections both in terms of learning, as well as a classroom community.

My goals as a teacher are to provide students with a safe and engaging classroom environment. I believe that students must learn in a safe, engaging, and structured class environment with a consistent teaching style. I also believe students learn well with cooperative learning where they can practice listening, sharing, and responsibility. Opportunities for students to work and learn from others is essential to their learning process. With the help of my teacher’s assistant, we will meet with students individually or in small groups to provide intervention and extension depending on the needs of different students.

I am married to my best friend Aaron and together we have three funny, smart, and talented daughters and a dog. We enjoy mountain biking, hiking, skiing, traveling, camping, and laughing together. I love spending time with my family!