Melanie M.
Southard
3 Shelter Rock Road
Eastampton, NJ 08060
(609)-922-6001 southamm@dukes.jmu.edu
Education and Certification
Masters of Arts in Teaching, May 2019, GPA 4.0
Professional Licensure Program: Elementary Education (PK-6)
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies; May 2018, Magna Cum Laude
Concentration in Math, Science, and Technology; Minor in Elementary Education; Minor in Non-Teaching Special
Education
James Madison University (JMU), Harrisonburg, VA
Student Teaching Elementary Classroom Experience
Student Teacher (Grade 5), Stone Spring Elementary, Harrisonburg, VA
October 2018-December 2018
Implemented self-paced math learning centers with differentiated lessons focusing on students’ strengths
and areas of growth
Developed individualized behavior plans for various students who would benefit from more structure than
the classroom management strategies already in use
Integrated technology into hands-on and minds-on science and math lessons that challenged students to
utilize critical thinking skills to solve real world problems
Participated and contributed in grade-level team meetings that highlighted how the grade could work cross
curricular as well as contribute to the larger school community
Student Teacher (Grade 3), Fulks Run Elementary, Rockingham County, VA
August 2018-October 2018
Participated in student study meetings with the goals of providing interventions to struggling students
Utilized manipulatives, technology, and real-world situations to teach students about counting money and
making change
Crafted a unit on animal adaptations and implemented a Project Based Assessment allowing students to
investigate their favorite zoo animal and create an enclosure that fulfilled all of that animals needs
Practicum Elementary Classroom Experience
Practicum Student (Grade 5), Stone Spring Elementary, Harrisonburg, VA
January 2019-Present
Conducted a qualitative study focused on improving teacher’s questioning techniques
Provided intense math remediation for twenty students in preparation for the Virginia Standards of
Learning assessment
Practicum Student (Grade 2), Clymore Elementary, Augusta County, VA
September 2017-December 2017
Designed an investigative lesson on compasses and their relation to the earth’s magnetic fields
Facilitated multiple science and math number talks encouraging students to access higher order thinking
skills and make connections across multiple content areas
Administered PALs, QRI, and Dolch Sight Word assessments and analyzed student’s results in order to
best group them according to needs
Practicum Student (Kindergarten), Cub Run Elementary, Rockingham County, VA
September 2016-December 2016
Performed in depth case study research and observations on one student in the classroom to assess six areas
of developmental growth
Melanie M. Southard
Administered various literacy assessments to a student, analyzed data, and created a literacy diet lesson
plan focusing on serving the student’s areas of need
Taught a cross curricular creative arts lesson that bridged language arts and math skills through
manipulatives and the nursery rhyme “Five Little Speckled Frogs”
Additional Work and Community Service Experience
Team Lead and Community Teacher, On the Road Collaborative, September 2017-May 2018
Provided after school homework help for students who needed extra support
Planned and taught engaging STEM, softball, and sign language classes
Big Brothers Big Sisters, January 2016-May 2018
Built a caring and safe friendship and mentorship with my little sister through weekly school visits in the
mornings and during lunch
Enhanced English language skills through pictures and hand motions as she came into Pre-K not speaking
English to having full conversations by 1st grade
JMU Student Ambassadors, January 2015-May 2018
Led prospective students and their families through a walking tour of campus relaying important
information about the college as well as fielding tough questions appropriately and professionally
Held multiple leadership positions through our Community Service committee as well as Operation Santa
Claus committee in which we organized a holiday show benefitting a local Harrisonburg charity
JMU Orientation Peer Adviser, January 2017-September 2017
Facilitated discussions with incoming college freshman about their goals, questions, and concerns about
higher education
Organized and mentored a group of First yeaR Orientation Guides (FROGs) which refined my leadership,
communication, and interpersonal skills
Helped parents to feel at ease with sending their child away to college through meaningful discussions and
information sessions
Technology Skills
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (proficient)
SMARTboard (proficient)
Google Classroom (proficient)
Certifications
CPR, First Aid, and AED Certified (2019)
Algebra 1 Endorsement
Autism Certificate
Honors and Activities
Member, Kappa Delta Pi National Education Honors Society, September 2017-Present
President’s List, JMU, Spring 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018
Dean’s List, JMU, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018
