Throughout my professional journey I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by many exceptional educators and students who have shaped my teaching philosophy. At the heart of my teaching practices, I am still a learner. I believe that as educators we must model what it means to be a learner and reflective practitioner to our students and colleagues. For me, this award acknowledges that model of continuous learning for myself, my students, and the teaching profession as a whole.
Melinda Knapp has taught mathematics at Sky View Middle School for the last 7 years. Before teaching in Bend, Melinda taught mathematics for 4 years at Oak Middle School in California.
Melinda is a teacher leader in her district. She regularly discusses her classroom and leadership experiences at various local, state, and national conferences. For the school year 2010 - 2011, Melinda was honored as Teacher of the Year for Bend-LaPine Schools. Her leadership, however, extends beyond the school, as she has facilitated a variety of professional development experiences for colleagues at the school and district levels.
As a teacher of mathematics, Melinda promotes high-quality, rigorous instruction, where students can be both successful as well as engaged participants in their learning. Her lessons consistently involve high levels of cognitive demand and are meaningful and productive for students. Students are expected to discuss, justify, and generalize their mathematical thinking.
Melinda has a B.S. in engineering from California State University, Fresno and an M.Ed. from Oregon State University. She is certified to teach mathematics at both the elementary and middle school levels. She is currently working to complete her doctorate in education at Oregon State University.
- High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
- Awardee holding Presidential citation between Associate Director for Science of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Carl Wieman and Deputy Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Cora Marrett
- High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph
