Hello, my name is Melissa McMullen, and I am the AmeriCorps teacher here at Juniata. Most of my day is spent teaching guided reading groups. I enjoy serving with AmeriCorps, because it gives me the opportunity to work with students at every grade level. I am also active in the Parent Involvement Committee and help with the Mountain Lion Backpack Program. This is my 2nd year in this position. My previous teaching experience includes teaching elementary/middle school students in Catholic schools and then subbing in several public school districts. I even did a long-term position with preschool. My degrees are from Saint Francis University and Edinboro University of PA. I am currently taking courses in special education.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family. I live in Altoona with my husband Mike and my daughter Danielle. We have a husky and two cats. I enjoy reading, watching crime shows, bowling and playing games. We have a camper near the Raystown area, so I spend most of my summer at the campground. Our favorite camping activities are sitting around the campfire, swimming, and playing volleyball with friends. This past summer I tried kayaking for the first time and had a blast! Another activity I enjoy is learning sign language. I belong to a group called Hands in Motion that performs sign language to songs. We have performed at community events like the Relay for Life and Halloween Parade. Maybe you’ll have a chance to see us sometime.
I became a teacher, because I love to learn. I try to learn something new every day!
Behavior Expectations During IEB block, learners are expected to do their best work and participate in all activities. They are expected to be respectful of everyone and their properties. Students know they are to be helpful to each other and clean up after themselves.
Academic Expectations During IEB block, learners will read books of different lengths and genres at an appropriate level. They will be challenged to think about the text and how it connects to their lives. Students are expected to participate in the lesson by reading, talking about what they have read, and completing writing activities.