Melissa Strand

Overview

Melissa Strand is an expert in systems to support instructional change. As Senior Program Associate of the K–12 Systems team, Strand works closely with state departments and school districts across the country to build instructional capacity.

This approach to instructional change includes professional development and feedback cycles through a Student-Centered Coaching Model and a Professional Learning Framework called VITAL (Visibly Improving Teaching and Learning). The outcome is always to make teaching visible to see improvements in instructional practices so that student understanding increases.

Before joining WestEd, Strand was an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University, a certified master teacher through Northern Arizona University, and an instructional coach for grades K–8. As a former National Board–Certified Teacher in early childhood K–2, Strand is committed to leveraging a developmental approach to adult learning that results in positive outcomes for all learners.

Education

• PhD in cognition and instruction, Grand Canyon University
• MA in bilingual/multicultural education, Northern Arizona University
• BA in early childhood/elementary education, Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Select Publications

Presentations:

Strand, M. (2018). Fostering collective teacher efficacy to improve student achievement. LEAF Subscription for Professional Learning, 4(6). Leadership for Educational Achievement Foundation, Inc.

Strand, M. (2017, 2018). Visibly improving teaching and learning: Leadership academy. Carlsbad Municipal School District, Carlsbad, NM.

Strand, M. (2017, 2018). Visibly improving teaching and learning: Leadership academy. Brockport Central School District, Brockport, NY.

Strand, M. (2017, 2018). Visibly improving teaching and learning: Facilitator coaching. Hobbs Municipal School District, Hobbs, NM.

Strand, M. (2017). K–5 literacy block: 4 layers to enhance instruction. Hobbs Municipal School District, Hobbs, NM.

Candelaria, S., & Strand, M. (2017). Brain architect: The why behind STEM. Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

Strand, M. (2017). Brain friendly assessments. Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.