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Academic reputation drives teacher to Boardman
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Jessica Meli (standing) is Stadium Drive Elementary's new second-grade teacher. She currently resides in Austintown.
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Neighbors | Submitted.Stadium Drive Elementary's Jessica Meli enjoyed her first few weeks of school with her second-grade class. This is her first full-time position within the Boardman school system.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Stadium Drive Elementary has several new faculty members this year. One of them relocated for the position because of Boardman’s superior academic reputation.
Jessica Meli, a new second-grade teacher for Stadium Drive Elementary, moved to the Valley from Fairlawn, a community near Akron. She is living in Austintown.
Meli, who has wanted to teach since she was a small child, earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family science from Ohio State University and a master’s of education from John Carroll University in 2006.
Prior to Stadium Drive, Meli spent three years teaching in Cleveland and one year teaching in Akron. This is her first time working in the Boardman school system.
Meli said she researched several school districts in the Mahoning County before relocating and Boardman seemed to stand out from the rest.
“I wanted to get in a school that had an excellent rating and lots of parent involvement,” she said. “Boardman had it all.”
To engage all her students, Meli said she takes time to learn about their interests and hobbies. She then bases her lesson plans around those interests which is intended to make them feel more comfortable and excited about learning. Meli plans to teach guided reading in small groups to better meet the needs of each kid at their skill level.
“I want to mold them into quality individuals,” she said. “I love younger kids because they are so malleable and excited about learning.”
Meli said the school year is off to a good start and the kids are excited about learning. She has grown fond of Stadium Drive’s warm environment and community’s support for the school. She sees herself remaining a Boardman Spartan for years to come.
“If I could, I would like to retire here,” Meli said.