Chantel Mellema

I hold an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Education. For the past three years, I have worked in a variety of educational environments, each offering unique experiences and valuable lessons. Throughout this journey, I've found that teaching is not just a career for me—it's where I feel the deepest sense of fulfillment and purpose. My mission in Education is to foster curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning in every child I work with. I've chosen Progressive Education as my teaching platform because it aligns with my passion for continuous learning, not just for my students, but for myself as a teacher. This approach honors the whole child, embraces experiential learning, and recognizes that real growth happens when we meet children where they are.

I am especially drawn to Virginia Chance School because of its integrated outdoor curriculum and commitment to inquiry-based learning. I believe outdoor integration is essential for young learners—it allows children to connect with the natural world, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills in real-time, meaningful ways. I've seen firsthand how outdoor learning invigorates children's curiosity and invites them to explore, ask questions, and collaborate in new and exciting ways. The school's emphasis on inquiry-based pedagogy supports higher-order thinking, even in the earliest years, by encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.

Outside of the classroom, I'm often catching flights whenever I get the chance. With family and friends spread across the globe, traveling gives me the perfect excuse to visit them, while also allowing me to experience the beautiful cultures and sights of the world.