Hello Everyone!

My name is Melanie Martin. I am so excited to be teaching at Outschool! 
I am a person who loves the process of learning at all ages and stages. In my professional background, I have taught in various roles -in public schools, summer camps, after-school clubs, tutoring- for over 10 years, working with learners as young as two and as old as twenty-two. Most recently, I taught several types of writing courses to college students at UMass Dartmouth and Rhode Island College. 

At  the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth I earned my Bachelor’s in English, a Master’s in Teaching and a Master’s in Professional Writing.  I have participated in many professional development workshops over the years regarding literacy, diversity, ESL learners and special education.

I am passionate about all the ways we communicate as human beings, through the written, visual  and performing arts. I will kick off my Outschool career by offering art classes, and later some reading/writing/book club classes.

Reading stories together can be a moving way to make connections among a group of people and spark meaningful conversations about the things art tries to tell us about life. 

Drawing and painting have been my hobbies since childhood. I have taken art classes at the college level, and my work has been displayed in several local and school-sponsored art shows. My love of animals and passion to protect our planet is what inspires my artwork. My hope is that learners will grow their art skills, while also feeling more connected to nature. 

My teaching style is all about getting curious about new things, and exercising our creative muscles. Embracing and examining mistakes as we learn is a valuable part of the learning process. I’m all about the growth mindset. We are lifelong learners who can do hard things!

I like to spend my free time with my two year old daughter, my husband and our two dogs. Besides reading and painting, I also enjoy going on nature walks, listening to music and podcasts, and occasionally playing Animal Crossing, Pokemon Snap or Just Dance. I also hope to write and self-publish a children’s book in the near future. 
  
Thank you for taking some time to learn about me. I look forward to spending time learning new things with you!

***PLEASE NOTE***
If you or your child are interested in a class, but don't see a scheduled time that works for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. I have some flexibility in my schedule, so I will do my best to accommodate. ALSO, if you or your child have a suggestion for classes you'd like to see (for example, "Drawing and Painting an Armadillo"), I am all ears! I'm happy to consider learner's suggestions.