MELISSA BASCOME

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Melissa Bascome was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. Growing up, Melissa always enjoyed working with children; in her free time, she was often found babysitting for family friends or organizing activities for the younger children in her neighborhood. Throughout high school, Melissa was an active member of her school’s Council for Unity chapter, a program which promotes family, unity, self-esteem, empowerment, tolerance and achievement. During her senior year of high school, Melissa was honored as the New York City recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year award due to her dedicated work with Council for Unity. Throughout her summers, Melissa spent much of her time working as a day camp counselor as well as volunteering for youth programs; this allowed Melissa the experience of working closely with skilled educators as well as the opportunity to collaborate on the creation of engaging curriculum.

Upon graduating high school, Melissa went on to study English and Childhood Education at SUNY Old Westbury in Long Island, NY. While attending SUNY Old Westbury, Melissa often volunteered at the campus day care center and other educational programs throughout the community. Melissa later transferred to CUNY Hunter College where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in English. Upon graduation, Melissa was awarded the Madeline O’Sullivan Class of 1928 Fellowship Award to assist her in following her dream of becoming a New York City educator. She immediately enrolled full-time in CUNY Hunter’s Early Childhood Education graduate studies program where she maintained high honors. Throughout her time at Hunter College, Melissa had the privilege of closely working with, and learning from, a wide range of students and educators from various backgrounds.

Melissa joined PS 527 in September of 2015 as a student teacher in a first-grade classroom. Upon graduating with her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Melissa was extended an offer for a teaching position at PS 527. Since then, she has worked in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms, deeply growing as an educator from each experience. Melissa strongly believes that learning should be fun and engaging for all, and that differentiated instruction is essential for the success of students. She prides herself on building close relationships with students by creating a positive learning environment filled with support, understanding, respect and communication. Melissa is excited for the experience and opportunities this upcoming school year has to offer!