Melissa Parks

Melissa Parks is an associate professor of education at Stetson University. Formerly, she was a National Board Certified elementary school teacher practicing in both Florida and Massachusetts. She is passionate about teaching. She believes in the power of a positive classroom built from a foundation of learning activities created to engage students in exploring, and expanding, their natural curiosities. In addition to her teaching, she has served as an area director for the Florida Association of Science Teachers. Dr. Parks has also served on the Outstanding Science Trade Books Panel of the National Science Teaching Association and is currently serving on the Preschool-Elementary Science Teaching Panel of the National Science Teaching Association. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Parks can be found exploring National Parks and looking for ways to bring the natural world into the elementary classroom with authentic and meaningful classroom experiences.

Publications

Using Award-Winning and Award-Nominated Graphic Novels to Support Science and Social Studies Content Knowledge
Using Award-Winning and Award-Nominated Graphic Novels to Support Science and Social Studies Content Knowledge
Mary Ellen Oslick, Melissa Parks. © 2023. 18 pages.
In this chapter, recent award-winning and award-nominated graphic novels will be analyzed for their content and aesthetics. As both authors serve on book award committees...
Impactful Classroom Experiences in Elementary Schools: Practices and Policies
Impactful Classroom Experiences in Elementary Schools: Practices and Policies
Melissa Parks. © 2023. 335 pages.
With high teacher attrition rates, low pay, and constantly shifting standards, the education system desperately requires a fresh approach. Yet, dedicated teachers continue to...