Melissa Faetz

Melissa Faetz is an Associate Instructor and Elementary Education program coordinator at the College of Education and Allied Professions, Western Carolina University (WCU). She also serves as the WCU Regional Director for the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program. With 12 years of K-12 teaching experience in Macon County, she has been recognized for her contributions, including regional Teacher of the Year and a Teacher Voice Fellowship. She is pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Virginia.

Education:

• MAED in Elementary Education, Western Carolina University
• BSED in Elementary Education, Western Carolina University

Research interests focus on integrating STEM and literacy in elementary classrooms, and preparing pre-service teachers to address cultural diversity. Her work emphasizes practical strategies for inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching practices.

Awards:

• 2015 NC Hope Street Group Teacher Voice Fellow
• 2014 North Carolina Region 8 Teacher of the Year

Advising and Grants: No specific grants or advisees listed, but her role as program coordinator likely involves mentoring pre-service teachers. She collaborates with the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program to support novice educators.

Labs/Teams: Active in the School of Teaching and Learning at WCU, contributing to teacher education initiatives.