Melissa Callahan
Tucson
Summary
To use my experience in both administration and teaching in early childhood education to coordinate a program that is developmentally appropriate and fosters social and emotional growth as well as kindergarten readiness.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Preschool Director
Amphitheater Public Schools- Holaway Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded a dual enrollment program with the SPED preschool program.
- Achieved a 5 star (highest) Quality First Rating with First Things First.
- Engaged in multiple professional development trainings and Director's meetings.
- Hosted quarterly family engagement events and attended school-wide evening family engagement events.
- Received zero violations on annual Arizona Department of Child Safety Inspections.
- SARSEF Award recipient
Preschool Director
Amphitheater Public Schools- Prince Elementary
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum aligned with educational standards.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children.
- Collaborated with staff to create engaging learning experiences that promote child development.
- Managed enrollment processes, maintaining accurate records and communication with families.
- Rated Highly Effective performance evaluations both school years.
- Achieved a 3 star Quality First Rating through First Things First.
- Lexia LETRS certification.
Owner/Director
Small Marvels Arts Integrated Preschool
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Managed every aspect of a state licensed Arts Integrated Preschool and before/afterschool for children ages 2-12
- Maintained records such as student files, staff files and all necessary paperwork to be a state licensed facility with AZDHS, DES and the Pima Co. Health Dept.
- Utilized social media platforms to advertise, recruit and communicate with students and families.
- Created weekly schedules, lesson plans and food menus for the facility.
- Provided and implemented training for staff members regarding diapering regulations, CPR and First Aid certifications, 90-day trainings required by DES and personal coaching on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Maintained and updated a website for the school
- Submitted monthly invoices and billing for DES and maintained financial records through QuickBooks.
OMA Arts Integration Specialist
Annie B. Kellond Elementary
01.2006 - 01.2017
- Worked collaboratively with classroom teachers to design and teach arts integrated lessons to students in grades pre-K through 5.
- Utilized music/dance/drama/theater to reinforce academic performance objectives.
- Oversaw, scheduled, and supported 10 professional artists from the Tucson community who worked weekly with students.
- Taught recorder, piano and violin to 3rd, 4th, 5th grades and a Multi-Age class of over 50 students grades K-5.
- Used technology daily as a teaching tool including SMARTBoard, Document Cameras, Flip Video Camera, Microsoft Power Point, Music Ace, Finale Notepad and CD/DVD burning software.
- Managed and operated the school’s audio/visual equipment.
- Coordinated the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s Music in the Schools program, which included 4 ensemble visits and 2 field trips to the TCC Music Hall.
- Directed two after school choirs that met weekly and performed throughout the Tucson community.
- Served on several committees including the 301 Goal Committee, the PTO and was the Site Council Facilitator for the 2009-2010 school year.
- Instructed professional development sessions for teachers and support staff on arts integration and technology.
- Attended yearly professional development workshops including the Fine Arts Summer Institute, Arts Integration Intensives, AZ Off Association workshops and the Arts Integration Academy.
- Taught arts integrated reading intervention as part of school-wide balanced literacy to grades K-1.
- Co-taught 2 hour daily ELD Structured English Immersion.
OMA Arts Integration Specialist
Sam Hughes / Brichta Elementary
12.2006 - 08.2026
- Spearheaded a collaborative arts integration program at both schools.
- Worked directly with faculty and staff to plan/develop lessons that used the fine and performing arts as a vehicle to teach performance objectives.
- Founded and directed a children’s after school choir that met once weekly and performed for the parents and students.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Choral Music Education
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ01.2005
Skills
- Early childhood education
- Child development expertise
- Parent communication
- Curriculum development
- Staff management
- Curriculum planning
- Admission procedures
- Office administration
- Safety regulations compliance
- Compliance procedures
- Fostering positive environment
- Special needs support
Certification
- State of Arizona Secondary Education Teaching Certification
- Music endorsement, K-12
- Structured English Immersion Endorsement K-12
- Meets criteria for Highly Qualified Teacher as outlined by the NCLB Act
Timeline
Preschool Director
Amphitheater Public Schools- Holaway Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Preschool Director
Amphitheater Public Schools- Prince Elementary
08.2022 - 05.2024
Owner/Director
Small Marvels Arts Integrated Preschool
01.2017 - 12.2020
OMA Arts Integration Specialist
Sam Hughes / Brichta Elementary
12.2006 - 08.2026
OMA Arts Integration Specialist
Annie B. Kellond Elementary
01.2006 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Music - Choral Music Education
University of Arizona