Thaden School Welcomes Melissa Sherman as Founding Head of Lower School
Thaden School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Melissa Sherman as Founding Lower School Head. With a distinguished background in education and a passion for fostering joyful and purposeful learning experiences, Melissa joins the Thaden community from Houston, Texas, where she served as Principal at The Fay School.
“We are delighted to welcome Melissa Sherman to the Thaden community,” said Michael Maloy, Associate Head of School. “Her visionary leadership and deep understanding of how to create a dynamic and interactive classroom will undoubtedly enrich our Lower School environment. We are excited to see the incredible impact she will have in leading our Lower School.”
During her tenure at The Fay School, Melissa was instrumental in developing innovative programs that seamlessly integrated the natural world into balanced yet challenging academic experiences. Melissa brings a wealth of teaching and leadership experience to her new role at Thaden School. Prior to The Fay School, Melissa taught preschool through Grade 7 and served as a reading coach and classroom teacher in both public and independent schools across Virginia, Alabama, and Tennessee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Early Childhood Education from James Madison University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University in Independent School Leadership.
Commenting on her vision for the Lower School at Thaden, Melissa emphasized, “Children are born curious, full of wonder, and eager to make meaning of their world. Thaden’s Lower School will build upon this innate desire by being a place to explore everyday curiosities in the natural world, the classroom, and in the vibrant Northwest Arkansas community. Everything we do will be grounded in our deep understanding and dedication to the specific needs of young children. Our carefully planned days will provide time for students to collaborate with peers and teachers as they think about big ideas in math, language, social studies, science, and the arts.”
Melissa will officially assume her role as the Founding Head of Lower School at Thaden on June 3, 2024.