Melissa Campbell: + Confidence, - Doubts
Chattanooga, TN-- Melissa Campbell, an Algebra 1 teacher at Red Bank High School (RBHS), has been making a difference in students’ lives for over three decades. Known for her dedication to building relationships and instilling confidence in students, Campbell is a beloved figure at RBHS, where her impact extends far beyond academics.
After graduating from Tennessee Tech University, Campbell began her teaching career in her hometown of Monterey. After teaching elementary school there for 10 years, Campbell and her family relocated in 2002, beginning her journey with the Red Bank community. For 13 years, Campbell would go on to teach at Red Bank Middle School until Dr. Justin Robertson, former principal at Red Bank High School and now Hamilton County Schools Superintendent, hired Campbell as a teacher for the high school. Never before involved in high school education, Campbell was hesitant. However, today, as an Algebra 1 and Student Success teacher at RBHS, Campbell excitedly states how that change was one of the best decisions she made in her career. “I love teaching high school,” Campbell said, “We have a big push at RBHS to build relationships and make connections. I really feel like that's possible at the high school level.”
Campbell is well-versed in the academic and emotional needs of students and is passionate about helping them overcome challenges–particularly in math. “My job is to help kids believe in themselves. At the high school level, students can come in with this mentality of ‘I can’t do math,’” Campbell said. “But I love being able to work with a student and say ‘This year you’re going to get it,’ and seeing their confidence level grow and their self-esteem change because they realize they can do something hard.” Campbell often incorporates visual tools such as anchor charts and colors to help students understand math concepts. “I love seeing the multiple pathways used to solve a problem, and the students are teaching me too,” Campbell said. A common saying she uses is, “There’s more than one way to get to Taco Bell.” Meaning, there are many different ways to approach and solve a problem. She likes to remind students of this when completing work in her class and beyond. “You are a problem solver your whole life,” she said.
Building relationships outside of the classroom is also important for Campbell. As one of the Senior class sponsors, Campbell is involved with events such as homecoming, prom, senior trip, and more. “When I first started teaching, it used to only be about academics. Not that academics aren’t important, but now we see the whole child,” she said. “I love seeing the kids have fun outside of class– going to events like football games and cheering them on in every facet of their lives, building those relationships, and letting them know you’re there for them.” Even after the students graduate, she enjoys running into them out in the world and hearing about their accomplishments. Campbell not only highly values her relationships with students but with the entire RBHS community. “I work with some really amazing people. Having these relationships with colleagues is huge. I would never want to leave this community,” she emphasized. “I am thankful everyday that Dr. Robertson believed in me and believed I could teach high school. I have always had someone to believe in me, and I want the students to know they have someone that believes in them.”
Melissa Campbell’s impact on her students extends far beyond the classroom. Her passion for building relationships and boosting students’ confidence has touched many lives throughout her three decades of teaching. As she continues to inspire and support her students, Campbell remains a vital part of the Red Bank High School community, always ensuring that each student knows they have someone who believes in them.