
Melanie Mann Landrum
Retired Executive Director, Arkansas A+ Schools
Degree: Master of Arts, Education Curriculum and Instruction Science, ('86)
Ph.D. Coursework, Educational Psychology and Research, ('86)
Post-Graduate Certification, Administration and Supervision, ('89)
Retired Executive Director, Arkansas A+ Schools
Why did you choose the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ for your studies?
In 1980, I was working for ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ City Schools as a teacher at Florida Elementary and was chosen to be a Science Curriculum Specialist because of my work there and the fact that as an undergraduate at Rhodes College (then Southwestern at ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½) my major was in pre-medicine studies. My job was to set up science labs and train teachers at various elementary schools in how to teach hands on guided discovery science to elementary students. As a part of this program, I was enrolled in specialized courses at the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ addressing science content in Physics, Chemistry, Life Science and Earth Science. These courses were designed as a partnership with ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ City Schools and the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½. After completing these courses, I continued my studies to earn a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialty in Science. When the Science Improvement Project ended, I was selected to be an Assistant Principal in three elementary schools over the course of five years. Once again, I selected the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ to become credentialed in Educational Leadership. Finally, I completed the coursework for a doctorate in Educational Psychology but my work in Arkansas kept me from completing my dissertation.
What is a favorite or meaningful memory from your time there?
The professors that I had there were always very well prepared and provided meaningful feedback. I never felt that I couldn’t contact them if I needed clarification or further explanation.
How did your experience at UofM prepare or shape you for the work you do now?
I am currently retired but the work that my time at the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ allowed me to do in service to students and teachers of both ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ and the state of Arkansas included:
ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½:
Science Curriculum Specialist (3 years)
Assistant Principal (3 school sites; 5 years)
Principal (2 school sites; 13 years)
Arkansas:
State Department of Education School Improvement Specialist (Literacy and Leadership Statewide 4 years)
North Little Rock Principal (1 site 4 years)
Thea Foundation- Executive Director of Arkansas A+ Schools supervising Art Integration Specialists, securing grant funding from the state and the Walton Family Foundation and working with various schools across the state (4 years)
University of Arkansas- Executive Director of Arkansas A+ Schools (The U of A took over the project from the Thea Foundation, two years before retirement. The project is still in existence.)
