Melanie Smith

Melanie Smith serves as a faculty member in the Education Department at Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU), where she has taught since fall 2014. Prior to joining HLGU, she accumulated twelve years of practical K-12 experience as both a classroom teacher (10 years) and elementary principal (2 years), emphasizing service-oriented education aligned with the university's Christian mission.

Educational Background:

• Doctoral Student in Curriculum and Instruction with Language, Diversity & Literacy Studies Concentration, Texas Tech University (Present)
• Education Specialist in Administration, William Woods University (2010)
• Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Missouri-Columbia (2003)
• Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Missouri-Columbia (2002)

Her research centers on collaborative literacy development and evidence-based early intervention strategies, exploring how social dynamics influence reading proficiency in diverse learners. Current work examines summer learning loss mitigation and family engagement frameworks to strengthen literacy outcomes in elementary settings.

Scientific Recognition:

• Co-recipient of International Reading Association’s Outstanding Literacy Unit award (2013) for research on persuasive writing in zoological contexts
• Presented evidence-based literacy practices at International Reading Association Convention (2013)

As an active member of the International Literacy Association and Missouri State Teachers Association, Smith bridges academic research with classroom application. Her teaching philosophy integrates faith-based service principles with contemporary literacy pedagogy, particularly through community outreach initiatives connecting HLGU students with local school systems.