Glenpool’s Melissa Reed

By Trina Walker

At Glenpool High School Melissa Reed is making an impact on her students. 

“I believe kids are worth it. They need adults in their life who are enthusiastic about their content area and who have a genuine interest in caring for them. I want my own children to have those kinds of teachers, so I strive to be that kind of teacher for other people’s kids,” she says. 

Reed is in her 15th year of teaching. She teaches tenth-grade English, Student Life, and is a cheerleading coach. 

“We have the best kids! Truly so many of them have unique stories. From athletics to academic team, our kids are amazing!” she exclaims.

Her students stand out.

“I always tell them they are the best there is,” she laughs, “but I’m really not sure I have anything to do with that. My hope is that kids who are in my class feel comfortable and cared for in my room.”

It is important for student-athletes to show leadership and kindness while representing their school, she says.

“They have to lead in the classroom as well as in their sport. They have to recognize their strengths and focus on those so they can lead in that role.” 

Reed’s classroom goals include improving scores in English and reading to prepare students for the next level. However, she says her greatest goal is “for them to leave my classroom knowing that someone is in their corner and that I am willing to help them in any way I can, even beyond the classroom.”

For the past three and a half years she has mentored two students who both suffered loss in their family lives.

“This May I will have the pleasure of watching them cross the stage at graduation. That will definitely be the most important accomplishment I’ll have had a hand in, in my 15 years as an educator,” says Reed. She and her husband have three children attending Glenpool Schools. They are involved in youth and middle school sports and extracurriculars. As a family, they attend as many Glenpool events as possible to support the community she loves.