Melissa Chapman has always known she wanted to be a teacher. Even as a child, she explored other career paths, but inevitably found her way back to teaching. To Melissa, teaching isn’t just something you do; it’s a fundamental part of who you are. She is grateful to have found purpose in teaching across a wide range of subjects and age levels throughout her career.
Having earned her BS in English (’00) and MAE in Elementary Education (’02) at Truman State University, Melissa always welcomed Truman students into her classroom when working in K-12 and found great fulfillment in mentoring them. Her long-time dream has been to spend a full career teaching in public education, then carry that joy forward to the university level. Melissa hopes to inspire the next generation of educators in much the same way her professors at Truman did for her.
Melissa loves 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.
Outside of teaching as a professor at Truman, Melissa owns and operates a yoga studio in Kirksville called 9 Lemons Yoga.
Madeline Good sincerely believes that access to high-quality education is part of the bedrock of our democracy and one of the most effective avenues people can take to help make our country (and the world) a more just and peaceful place. Prior to her joining our faculty at Truman, Madeline spent time teaching 3rd and 4th grade.
Although not a Truman grad herself, Madeline was drawn to Truman’s Education Department due to its small community, liberal arts focus, outstanding students and supportive faculty! After visiting the campus, she could tell it was going to be a perfect fit for her personality and professional goals.
For Truman students who aspire to be teachers, Madeline has two main pieces of advice. First, learn everything you can about classroom management throughout your coursework and when visiting classrooms and schools. It is the foundation of having a warm, welcoming and well-run classroom and can help you keep your sanity as you adjust to teaching. Second, remember that every student you have is someone’s precious child. Parents, whether consciously or not, put immense trust in their children’s schools and teachers. Because of this, being a teacher carries a great responsibility.
Outside of her time teaching, Madeline purchased an e-bike in 2024 and has put over 1500 miles on it by bringing her son to-and-from kindergarten on it.