Melinda Asher

Texas High School

Melinda Asher has taught business and technology classes at Texas High School for the last eleven years. She initially pursued a career in education after being asked to substitute teach when her three sons were younger. Melinda is married to Mike Asher, and today, all three of their sons are Texas High graduates: Jonathan graduated in 2015, and Joseph and Joshua, their twins, graduated from Texas High in 2020. “My family and my dogs keep me going. My dogs are always happy to greet me, are good listeners, and let me vent about my day. They don’t judge, and they don’t repeat what I say!” Melinda says. “My husband is my rock. He is my ultimate support!”

When Melinda started working as a substitute teacher, she enjoyed it so much that it inspired her to begin taking classes toward becoming a certified teacher. Now, more than a decade later, Melinda has been able to teach several subjects, and no matter what she teaches, she seeks to encourage and inspire the high school students in her classroom. “The most rewarding part of my job is developing relationships with my students. I hope to be someone my students trust and turn to for advice and help,” Melinda says. “At the end of the school year, when my students or graduating seniors tell me I was their ‘go-to adult’—not just in academics but also on a personal level—that is truly fulfilling and touches my heart.”

While there have been many proud moments over the last eleven years, Melinda says she is most proud of completing graduate school. However, her students’ successes are the most gratifying daily. “My students are awesome and are what make me feel accomplished. I am honored each year to watch them compete at the state level in our Career and Technical Student Organizations, such as BPA, DECA, and Robotics,” Melinda says. “I learn so much from my students. Here I am today, teaching dual credit classes that allow students to earn college credit while in high school. That’s pretty cool stuff!”

To build strong relationships with students, Melinda starts by creating an environment where all students feel safe asking questions and sharing information. She also begins to get to know them as soon as possible. “Relationships are key to a healthy learning environment. All students are capable of learning and have unique knowledge and experience they can bring to the group,” Melinda says.

Next, Melinda assesses where her students are so that she can meet their needs in her class. “Learner-oriented teaching allows students to gain knowledge using various methods,” Melinda says. “By determining a student’s level, I can provide the scaffolding needed to build on the connections between what they already know and the new knowledge we seek to create.”

In Melinda’s classroom, students often work together to collaborate on projects. She believes that students grow faster when they synthesize their knowledge. “Experience gained from students working together will help students build a collaborative practice throughout their lives. I count on ‘teaching successes’ to create opportunities for that to happen,” Melinda says. “I have a quote in my email signature that states, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’ Education comes in many forms. It doesn’t always mean sitting in a classroom behind a desk listening to a lecture.”

One of the biggest lessons that Melinda has learned from her years of expertise in the classroom is to only focus on the things she can control. “Every day in the classroom is different, and every child is different; often, a different learning path must be employed to reach different students in the same classroom,” Melinda says. “A teacher must be flexible. Being a teacher is about continuing to learn and adapt. Teaching is more than having students gain content knowledge; it is about the whole student. I hope to help the students use their minds, hearts, and actions to impact the world.”

She also recognizes the importance of adult involvement in a student’s life, even if they are not family. “Parental involvement varies from student to student,” Melinda says. “Educating our young people should be a team effort that includes all the active adults in a student’s life.”

One aspect of education that Melinda wishes more people understood is that while some students need a traditional college education for their future careers, some do not. “There is a significant need for trade programs,” Melinda says. “I want all students to feel proud of their career goals regardless of their path.”

As this next year begins, Melinda knows she will face challenging days in the classroom. However, she is always motivated when she thinks about the past students who have stopped by or reached out to share how much she impacted their lives. “Having previous students reach out to share how much they use what I taught them or how much they appreciate my classes makes my heart happy,” Melinda says.

Fun Facts:

1. If I could return to high school, I would take my music studies more seriously because I enjoyed being in the band and got a lot out of it.

2. The best advice I’ve ever received as a teacher is to strive to keep “work” at work and save your home time for family. I try, but it is challenging to do regularly.

3. My favorite subjects in school were science and technology classes because I had some great teachers!

4. I have several dream vacations. My husband and I would love to visit Rome to see the architecture and history and enjoy great food. We would also love to go to Africa for a photography safari because of the animals and nature. My favorite would be visiting Yellowstone in the wintertime by snowmobile!

5. One thing my students probably do not know about me is that I used to train in martial arts and kickboxing. I had a pretty impressive flying kick.