Melissa Chapman always knew she wanted to be a teacher. To her, teaching isn’t just something you do; it’s a fundamental part of who you are. A 2000 and 2002 graduate of Truman, she has been in the classroom for 25 years. She joined Truman’s Education Department as an Instructor in Education for the 25-26 academic year.
What brought you to Truman’s Education Department?
I have always welcomed Truman students into my K-12 classroom and found great fulfillment in mentoring them. My long-time dream has been to spend a full career teaching in public education, which I deeply love, and then carry that joy forward to the university level. I hope to inspire the next generation of educators in much the same way my professors inspired me.
What is the most helpful piece of advice you’ve received? Or if you could share one piece of advice with students, what would it be?
I love the advice given by Jennifer Gonzalez: “Find your Marigold.” In other words, surround yourself with people who support you, help you grow, and help you hold onto your joy on the hard days. Teaching is not easy, but it is always worth it, and it always matters.
Fun fact about yourself:
Fun fact: I’m also a yoga instructor. I own a small business called 9 Lemons Yoga.
Favorite Quote:
“I wonder if we might pledge ourselves to remember what life is really all about—not to be afraid that we’re less flashy than the next, not to worry that our influence is not that of a tornado, but rather that of a grain of sand in an oyster! Do we have that kind of patience?” Fred Rogers