By SCA Junior Brody Brown
As the beloved middle school theater and elementary music teacher at SCA, Ms. Melodie Spencer goes above and beyond to inspire her students. From designing intricate sets for SCA’s One Act plays to teaching K-5 students the art of handbell ringing, she ensures every student leaves her class excited for their next visit. You might catch Ms. Spencer practicing lines with her middle schoolers for their upcoming play Mary Poppins Jr. in her position of Middle School Theater Director, or greeting her elementary students as SCA’s Elementary Music teacher with a cheerful ukulele tune as they walk into her energetic classroom.
With her warmth and creativity, Ms. Spencer creates a learning environment where students of all ages feel encouraged to express themselves through music and acting, all while learning new skills and concepts along the way. Her influence reaches beyond the classroom, creating memories that stick with her students long after the final bell.
We have already seen her lasting impact through her role as One Act Director, leading her team to a Region first place finish and a state championship! We are so grateful for Ms. Spencer and her ability to turn activities into lasting memories through her creativity.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, graduated Summa Cum Laude
YEARS LEADING IN EDUCATION: 1.5 years at SCA. I’ve had the opportunity to teach all grades.
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING THE ARTS AT SCA? I enjoy seeing the students step out of their comfort zone, conquer their fear, and find confidence through music and acting. I also love watching them come together and help each other with lines, costumes, etc. For elementary, I love watching them discover instruments and sounds for the first time and begin to learn what it means to create their own music. The way their face brightens up when they begin to understand musical concepts is priceless.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE VISITED ON VACATION: My favorite place I’ve visited on vacation would have to be Williamsburg/Fort Monroe. My dad lived in Fort Monroe for a bit, which is about 40 minutes away from Williamsburg, so we had the opportunity to go there on the same trip. Getting to hear stories about his childhood and see the locations where they took place was pretty special. Plus, Williamsburg has THE BEST hot chocolate, live music, and all the snow!
FAVORITE HOBBY: My favorite hobby changes almost yearly. I’d have to say the biggest ones have been crochet and baking.
FAVORITE BOOK: My favorite book would have to be either The Hidden Hand by E.D.E.N. Southworth or Intimacy with God by John. D. Hannah.
FAVORITE MOVIE: My favorite movie is the 2019 Little Women directed by Greta Gerwig
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A singer/performer
WHY DO YOU THINK CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT AND SPECIAL? Christian education is important because it inherently imbues the student with identity, purpose, and meaning grounded in the One who created them. They aren’t just learning science; they are studying the incredible and intricate handiwork of God in the universe. They aren’t just memorizing historical facts; they are witnessing testimonies of the effects of sin and the faithfulness of God towards mankind. They aren’t just studying the arts, they are learning to imitate the creator God as they use music, acting, and dancing to promote beauty, goodness, and truth. Education is innately Christian, in that all that we learn ultimately speaks to a creator, and apart from Him, we will only ever have a partially formed understanding of the purpose behind the building of knowledge and the original identity from which the use of knowledge becomes eternally valuable.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AT SCA? My favorite memory of teaching at SCA is learning from my backstage volunteers during the 4th/5th grade production of Frog and Toad Jr. last year, that the 5th graders were praying for one another before they would go on stage.
