I am Miss Melissa Hammond, and I have been teaching since 2010. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and my California Teaching Credential from William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. Right out of college, I taught a year of preschool (4-5 year olds) and loved every minute of it, but I originally got my degree to teach elementary school, so I immediately moved into the Cambrian School District after a year with the littles.

When I started in Cambrian, I was a long term substitute teacher for a 4th/5th grade combo class and then a 4th grade class at Sartorette. I taught Summer School for Special Education at Fammatre, and then long term subbed again for a 1st grade class at Farnham before being hired full time at Bagby where I have been since 2013.

While at Bagby, I changed grade levels every year until the 2024-2025 school year: Transitional Kindergarten (TK), Kindergarten, 2nd (VPS- Virtual School Program during COVID), 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. There are pros and cons to every grade level, so I do not have a favorite.

During the pandemic, I figured it was the best time to get my Master's degree online, so I went back to school and completed my Master of Arts in Education through National University. I have a double emphasis in Social Emotional Learning as well as Early Childhood Education. This allowed me to attain a California Child Development Program Director Permit.

During the 2023-2024 school year, I took on the role of Teacher Mentor in Cambrian to coach new teachers during their credential induction program. This year, I am the TK Grade Level Lead.

As for what I enjoy doing, I love hiking with friends, letterboxing, playing softball, and just being all around active. Some of the hikes I have been on include: Mission Peak, Mt. Umunhum, and Almaden Quicksilver. I also find pleasure in learning to cook new dishes. This does not mean I am good at it. My nickname is "The Little Train Wreck in the Kitchen". My roommate, Miki, and I adopted two cats in 2019, so Cappuccino and Frappuccino provide lots of snuggles, laughter, and entertainment daily.

During the summers (pre-Covid), I often got to visit the children I sponsor in Ethiopia, Africa. When I visited the kids, I got to help lead a Sports Camp and Vacation Bible School for all the kids in their school for about a week. We also had family visits during that time. This trip has always been a highlight of my year.