Melissa Shields (Ed.D.) currently serves as the assistant state superintendent of student learning for the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Prior to this role, she led the ALSDE Office of School Improvement. She coordinates with community and industry organizations to align resources and human capital with whole-child needs in schools, including attendance, mental health, and social-emotional learning. Dr. Shields has presented and/or keynoted at many local, state, and national conferences, including ISTE, ESEA, NCTE, FETC, and TETC.
Dr. Shields taught language arts and history for 16 years. At the system level, she supervised various departments, including Curriculum, Instructional Technology, Library Media, School Improvement, and English Learners. She completed her doctorate at the University of Alabama with a focus on curriculum and school reform. Dr. Shields was Nationally Board Certified in 2000 in Language Arts and renewed in 2010 and 2020 while serving in district and state roles, respectively.
Dr. Shields enjoys professional and personal writing (which includes her Teaching and Leading website) and many outdoor activities.
