Meet Our Team: Mellissa Jones
In our next Meet Our Team installment, we’d like to introduce you to Mellissa Jones, one of the newest faces at Hemispheres Academy who is helping our students shine.
A Love for Teaching Across Borders
Mellissa’s teaching journey has taken her from classrooms in the United States to Brazil and now to an online setting with Hemispheres Academy, where she continues to make a meaningful impact. Passionate about education, she thrives on helping students overcome obstacles and experience those incredible “Aha!” moments. Whether working with young learners or guiding voice students to new levels of confidence, Mellissa brings enthusiasm and dedication to every lesson.
Making Shakespeare Accessible for All Students
One of Mellissa’s most rewarding experiences has been working with a dyslexic student who was struggling with Romeo and Juliet. Understanding how difficult Shakespeare can be, Mellissa took a patient, creative approach—breaking down passages, relating them to modern situations, and waiting for the student to find her own understanding. When that breakthrough finally happened, the rest of the lesson flowed naturally, reinforcing the power of perseverance and personalized teaching.
The Transition to Online Learning
Mellissa has embraced the shift from in-person teaching to online education, finding that virtual classrooms offer a more personal and flexible learning experience. She values the close connections she builds with students and the ability to tailor lessons to their unique needs. With interactive and engaging methods, Mellissa ensures that learning online with Hemispheres Academy remains just as impactful as traditional schooling, if not moreso.
Embracing Technology in Education
Technology has changed the way students learn, and Mellissa has adapted right alongside it. From PowerPoint presentations to AI tools that adjust reading levels for students, she sees the potential for technology to enhance education. By integrating modern tools into her teaching, Mellissa helps students stay engaged while developing essential skills for the future.
Encouraging Student Engagement and Growth
Mellissa believes that students learn best when they have autonomy and choice in their education. By making lessons interactive and relatable, she fosters an environment where students take ownership of their learning. Whether teaching English, biology, or music, her goal is always the same—to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
