#023 - This week we talk to Mealnie D'anna from Mesa, Arizona. In some ways going behind the desk with Melanie didn't yield huge surprises, because she is just as dedicated to her craft as the other teachers I have had the honor of speaking with. Unlike most teachers, however, Melanie came to it a little later than most. She spent the first part of her working life as a newspaper photographer before making the switch to public education. She got a quick baptism in the profession by teaching in a Title One school out of the gate. Though challenging and heart breaking, that experience is what taught her just how impactful she could be as a teacher.

In this episode Melanie and I talk about the challenges of teaching young students to read when everyone is in a mask. We also talk about the importance of reading to a proper education, what it's like when you have to be a child's advocate, and the all the paper work.


Buy me a Coffee (Help fund the podcast)

There are a fair amount of monthly costs associated with keeping the lights on here. Just like in education. So far I have been footing the bill. I am happy and honored to do so. It is a privilege to be able to do. However, I would like to expand our reach. If I can get some of the bills covered here we can do more, we reach more people, share more stories, and maybe even help some deserving people make it into the classroom. Unfortunately, that all costs money. For now I am using Buy me a Coffee. It's an online platform that help people collect financial support for creative endeavors. If you can, please consider going to the link below and throw in a buck, or two, or five. Consider how much a cup of coffee actually costs. It's a one and done setup, so please feel free to make your way back every month or every episode and throw something in the "hat". Every dollar is appreciated. And if you can't, just listening to these teachers share their stories and following them in their endeavors warms my heart. It is more than enough.

Learn more about Coach Hall Writes at:
https://coachhallwrites.com/

Listen to Coach Hall's Life Behind the Desk episode:
https://lifebehindthedesk.com/003bethhall/

Support the Show.

Be sure to visit the website at http://www.lifebehindthedesk.com