Melissa Bryant has utilised her design degree to create a visual ‘bump-it-up wall’, which is being used in classrooms across Coomera Rivers State School to improve student learning outcomes and the effectiveness of her colleagues’ teaching strategies.

In her own classroom she has developed a strong culture of purposeful teacher and peer feedback.  The whole-school language of ‘tickled pink’ and ‘green for growth’ is used by Melissa and her students to help them understand how to get from where they are to where they need to go next in their learning.  

​Melissa’s knowledge of her students allows her to differentiate for individuals and groups of students in a wide range of ways, including ability and mixed ability, shared interests or friendship groups.  

She also uses iTunesU to create differentiated, targeted student courses to make learning accessible as well as challenging.

“Learning in Melissa’s classroom is creative, engaging and productive.  She has built strong teacher-student relationships and sets high expectations.  There is always clarity and structure to the learning for students, as Melissa’s learning intentions are made clear through the use of We Are Learning To (WALT) and What I’m Learning For (WILF),” principal Vic Graham said.

Melissa facilitates writing clubs to engage and extend students with a passion for writing, providing them with opportunities to enter national writing competitions and showcase their talents.

She ensures parents and carers are involved in their children’s learning by connecting them to the classroom through the SeeSaw app.

“Melissa is committed to improving her own professional knowledge and practice.  She is a valued member of her Professional Learning Team and thrives on working collaboratively to improve student achievement.  She seeks out opportunities to attend professional development and regularly attends staff ‘Teach Meets’,” Vic said.
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Congratulations Melissa on your Queensland College of Teachers Excellence in Beginning Teach Award nomination.

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