LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Melissa Artz was nominated by a family member, Julie Warr.

Mrs. Artz has shown strong efforts in her community, school environment, and professional development. She strives to excel in any activity that is given to her, whether it's providing students with a place that is safe and caring, or giving them a challenge and pushing them to become the best individuals in their communities. 

Mrs. Artz looks for ways to motivate students and make learning fun, applicable, and meaningful. Many of her students come from homes that do not give much support or have the ability to provide for their children. Having an enriching classroom experience at school, especially in the middle school setting, will often determine if students will have positive attitudes towards later learning experiences. Mrs. Artz provides these positive settings to raise her students' self-esteem, which is so important at this time of their development. 

Mrs. Artz has also participated in many clubs and organizations in her educational growth. She built a recycling program at her high school, participated in a teaching sorority in college, and served as a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, Georgia Association of Educators, and Council for Exceptional Children. She also sponsored the ASL club, student council, and after-school Bee Smart tutoring. Additionally, she volunteers with many community activities that keep her busy with her family, as well as many of her students. 

Many times, you can see Mrs. Artz and her own children in her classroom after school getting ready for the next day's lessons. She brings in guest speakers to do hands-on activities with the students, such as dissecting “pig hearts” to demonstrate the functioning of how hearts works. She gives students activities that will help them understand and remember the concepts taught. Mrs. Artz looks outside the box to provide well-thought out activities for her students. This year, she is providing alternative seating in her classroom to provide opportunities for students to learn in different environments to the best of their abilities. 

In addition to helping her students develop their reading and math skills, Mrs. Artz’s class was one of the programs that was recognized at the end of last school year as showing great improvement. She's currently teaching 7th grade math and reading to students who are low level, but not identified as special needs students. Mrs. Artz also provides tutoring after school Monday-Thursday for students who needs help with their math work.

This year, Mrs. Artz has turned her classroom into a space that is appealing for both students and staff alike to come and relax, learn, and chill out when needed. There are covers of blue sky and clouds over the fluorescent lights and floor lamps stationed around the room. Students work in small groups or individually and work for positive behavior rewards. Mrs. Artz continues to instill in her students that they need to constantly strive to be the most wonderful person they can be. That is why so many of her students come back to see her every year!