-
BFA
-
EDUCATION
-
POETRY
-
MEMOIR
NJCU - Bachelor of Fine Arts & Education 13'
Memoir Writing under the direction of Edvige Giunta
Poet House
Master Poets Program under the direction of Marie Ponsot
​​​
​
Certifications:
-
State of New Jersey Board Certified Teacher: K-12
-
American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages
-
New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey
-
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation / Poetry Program Professional Development
​​
languages:
English and Spanish
​
Schools:
-
Infinite Therapy Solutions - Education & Community Engagement Coordinator / Designer
-
Saint Peter's University 21st Century Program - Poetry & Art
-
Marist High School - Poetry & Journalism Club Supervisor / Teacher/ Magazine Editor
-
All Saints Academy - World Culture & History / Creator The Multiverse Peace Game
-
Kenmare High School / York Street Project - Poetry & Handmade Books​
-
Bayonne Board of Education - ESL / ABA Program / Various Subjects nKARE HIGH SCHOOL
​
Dodge Poetry Festival School Coordinator
Partnership : Dodge Poetry Festival
Support: Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Since 2006, when first reciting poetry at the Dodge Poetry Festival, in Waterloo Village, NJ, Melida has been a passionate supporter of this national biannual poetry festival. In partnership with Dodge Poetry Festival she took on the role of Dodge Poetry Festival School Coordinator in 2018.
Dodge Poetry
Festival
School Coordinator
Design
Project
With her background as a writer, an educator and artist,
Melida was commissioned to rehabilitating a 3,500 Sq ft space, designing and outfitting a medical facility. Her design encompassed establishing and maintaining a children's library; creating a customized tranquility space - "Zen - Den,” installing a sensory gym and & establishing learning centers tailored for neurodivergent children including those with autism, physical disabilities; learning differences in reading, writing, spelling and ADHD.
As technical writer, for Infinite Therapy Solutions, Melida produces informative brochures, press releases, written and visual content for their website and social media. On IG she curates a current list of "Notable Children's Books"
PHILOSOPHY ON TEACHING
Poetry . Handmade Books . Art . History
ART teaches us the history of man, his beliefs and his aspirations.
ART engages us in the politics of the world and allows us to have our say through self expression.
ART involves us in mathematics and chemistry when we measure, mix and explore its elements.
ART engages us in modern science, technology and engineering as the tools we use for creating are constantly evolving and being reinvented. We explore these realms as inventors ourselves through design and ingenuity.
ART surpasses any language in its capacity to be universal.
Art transcends into all fields of study. It enhances our way of thinking as it is analytical and philosophical. Its value surpasses pure aesthetics.
Art's important contribution to mankind is its ability to help us view our world differently. It enables us to explore our own identity and culture but it also enables us to find a common ground with others. Essentially it allows us to feel compassion and kindness towards the world in general.
History proves to us that when one strips a civilization of its art it inevitably leads to its decline.
ART IS CULTURE and OUR LEGACY to future generations.
You see...
I may be able to teach a child the principals of design as I may be able to teach a student the difference between a Neolithic and a Renaissance sculpture, but that would not satisfy my purpose.
Art is so much more than that. Teaching is so much more than that.
​
I believe that Art is just as important as any academic field of study.
​
Because Art is also:
​
A voice,
A valuable tool for survival,
A key element
in exploring the world around us
A vehicle for change
​
Melida Rodas
​