Melissa Harkreader

Tennessee Manager of Operations

Melissa is the manager of operations for The Education Trust in Tennessee, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the Tennessee office and supports other offices in the southern region.

Prior to joining The Education Trust, Melissa was a public school teacher and principal in Nashville and surrounding counties. Melissa was a business and information technology teacher for 17 years and a secondary assistant principal and principal for 13 years.

A native of Tennessee, Melissa holds a master’s degree from Tennessee State University in educational leadership, a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in business education, and a bachelor’s degree in business education from Middle Tennessee State University. Melissa is the proud mom of Hailey (a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga graduate and third grade public school teacher) and Dylan (a recent Western Kentucky University graduate in journalism and broadcasting).

Favorite Sports Team:
Nashville Predators, Tennessee Titans

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work? Spending time with my family and friends. Trying new local restaurants and breweries. Visiting any coast or shoreline.

What drew you to education?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I loved school. When I was little, I lined up my stuffed animals and gave them spelling tests and hung bulletin boards in my bedroom. My K-2 teachers were wonderful, and I was lucky to have such a great start. EVERY child deserves that same experience.