I sat down with the remarkable Melody McAllister to discuss her journey in education, life in Alaska, and her various pursuits outside the classroom. The conversation was an inspiring exploration of passion, authenticity, and the power of positive connections.

Melody’s story is a testament to the transformative nature of following your true calling. Having begun her career in Texas, she made a bold move to Alaska in pursuit of new opportunities for herself and her family. As an educator, Melody is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for her students, prioritizing social-emotional learning and personal growth over traditional grades. 

If you’ve ever met Melody, you know she is committed to being her authentic self. From her candid discussions about her experiences with teaching and her journey in education to her love for makeup and the support of her son’s talents on TikTok, Melody pursues her diverse interests. Her ability to integrate her passions and profession highlights the importance of finding joy and fulfillment.

Melody is dedicated to fostering community and meaningful connections. This is evident in her involvement in the #PLNCoffee movement, her collaboration with educators, and her encouragement for others to embrace authenticity and individuality. I know her as someone who uplifts others, which I find truly commendable and inspiring.

This episode sheds light on Melody’s book, “The I’m Sorry Story,” which addresses social-emotional learning through a powerful narrative and inclusive design. Additionally, her podcast, “Growth Over Grades,” emphasizes the importance of prioritizing growth and development over conventional grading systems, providing valuable insights for educators and parents alike.

—William Jeffery is curating Flipboard EDU Podcast

William “Coach” Jeffery is an award-winning digital learning educator and director of assistant principals leadership academies at Houston ISD in Texas. His tech pedagogy continues to drive him to curate educational content on Flipboard that highlights teaching strategies, edtech, and ways to improve student success. He hosts the “Flipboard EDU Podcast” as yet another way to share resources with peers.