I began my educational career on the campus of Ohio University where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. I continued my love for learning at National-Louis University where I earned a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and graduated summa cum laude. I am currently a 3nd year doctorate student at Nova-Southeastern University pursing a Ph.D. with a concentration in Educational Leadership and minor in Urban Education.
A seasoned educator with nearly 22 years’ experience as a teacher and administrator, Melissa Jones Clarke feels privileged to serve as the first principal of Atlanta Heights Charter School. Mrs. Jones Clarke’s aim is to establish Atlanta Heights Charter School as a school known for academic excellence — a school that parents can have confidence in, where students can thrive and one that will be a source of community pride. Her strong instructional leadership skills and extensive experience will be invaluable as she strives to set the vision for the school and work with staff, students and parents alike to build a strong foundation for the school to grow on.
Prior to her appointment at Atlanta Heights, Melissa most recently served as principal at Blaine Street Elementary School in Monroe, Georgia. While at Blaine Street Elementary, she instituted a rigorous teacher selection process and established data talks with students, faculty and the community to hold each voice accountable to the school’s mission. Under her leadership, the school was recognized as a Georgia Title 1 School of Distinction for three consecutive years. Before joining Blaine Street Elementary, Melissa served as assistant principal at R.L. Norton Elementary School in Snellville, Georgia and as principal at Lincoln Elementary School in Belvidere, Illinois.
While there are several reasons as to why I enjoy working with National Heritage Academies, the number one reason would be that I believe that I am a part of an educational movement that is creating generations of children that will be productive citizens in this wonderful country. Our organization is providing priceless educational opportunities for traditionally underserved communities within a college-bound culture and making a life-long impact on our parents and children for years to come.
Brigitte Brantley has 14 years of experience in the education field. She began her career as a Title I teacher in Nashville, TN and then relocated to Boardman, OH. She started with National Heritage Academies in 2007 as a 5th grade teacher, and became a Dean of Instruction in 2008. Mrs. Brantley has worked closely with grades K-5 teachers and students throughout her career. She has provided instructional coaching, conducted weekly observations, and facilitated meetings with her teams. Mrs. Brantley believes that children learn in different ways. As educators, it is our job to determine the best way to teach each child in order for he/she to reach their fullest potential.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Advertising from Michigan State University (GO SPARTANS!) I also earned a Teaching Certificate, a Michigan Early Childhood (ZA) Endorsement and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree from Wayne State University. I’ll be attending Mercer University this fall. I am pursuing an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership.
What is there not to like about NHA? If I had to choose just one thing I’d say that I love the enthusiasm, passion and dedication the organization has about better educating more children. In my building, I really enjoy working with an awesome team of teachers who share in the enthusiasm of the company and are relentless in their efforts to move each scholar forward.
Prior to becoming an Educator, I worked as a Marketing/Media Coordinator at Young & Rubicam Advertising and Don Coleman Advertising for about a year and a half.
I am the proud owner of “My Heart’s Desire”. My Heart’s Desire specializes in Scrapbooks and Paper crafts. Also, I am the world’s greatest personalized license plates decoder, I’m addicted to Sudoku and at any given moment, a movie line or two is running through my mind.
I have a Bachelors of Arts degree from The College of New Rochelle and a Master’s of Science in Childhood Education-Brooklyn College. I will be pursuing a second Master’s of Science in School Administration, August 2011.
I previously worked as an Upper Grade Elementary Teacher in an urban community in Brooklyn, New York within the New York City Department of Education. In addition, I have experience working in Early Childhood Education. I have worked in education for nearly 18 years.
There are many reasons why I love working with NHA. In that sentence alone tells it all. I feel like I’m working with, instead of for a management organization. Our opinions, suggestions and concerns are always taken in to an account. If we feel there’s a better way to challenge our scholars to achieve, we are given the autonomy to do so. In addition, we have an awesome support team that helps navigate through tough situations in a timely matter. All we have to do is pick up the phone, dial our service department and someone is always ready to assist. This allows us to stay focused on what really matters…TEACHING and LEARNING.