Recently, Meghann was honored with a Nails Award, a recognition that celebrates our collective commitment to a greater purpose. This award underscores the belief that uplifting one individual elevates us all, and by acknowledging those who embody the school’s core values, the community reinforces the idea that true strength comes from supporting one another and “having one another’s back.”
“I knew I was nominated for recognition, but the moment it happened, it resonated more than I expected. It wasn’t just an acknowledgment—it was a testament to the years of building relationships and watching them flourish.”
For Meghann, teaching at Downtown Value has meant witnessing firsthand the positive transformations in her students’ lives and the mutual trust that takes time to establish.
Meghann didn’t always know she wanted to be an educator. At 23, she moved to France with her young and growing family, facing the challenge of learning a new language and navigating an unfamiliar culture. The experience gave her insight into the struggles language learners face and sparked her desire to support others in similar situations. Later, when she saw her own children start school, Meghann's passion for holistic education deepened. “I wanted to be the best mom I could be and support a framework that attended to the whole child,” she said. These experiences laid the foundation for her journey into education, giving her the unique perspectives she now brings to her classroom every day.
"I talk about University Prep with my students all the time. I work with the ELD director at University Prep and connect our students with her all the time. We are preparing our students for high school. We say to them, 'let’s start practicing now.'"
At Downtown Value, Meghann works to foster a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel understood and motivated. “Middle school can be a tough transition. Trust is essential — students need to know that even at their worst, you’re there to support them and prepare them for a bright future,” she emphasized.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, collaborating with fellow teachers and leading professional development sessions that provide practical tools to build students’ confidence and success. "We have the opportunity to better impact each other," she explains, "and we’re looking at each other as a community."
Beyond her work with students and educators, Meghann is inspired by the resilience and engagement of the Downtown Value community. The flood last year at Downtown Value School, while a challenge, provided Meghann with a "silver lining." It allowed her to expand her role across all Value Schools, spending time on every campus and building lasting relationships with educators. This experience gave her valuable insight into the broader vision at work—a connected network where collaboration strengthens the mission of uplifting every student.
“This community has shown incredible commitment, even in the face of challenges like the flood. We kept pushing to be better.”
We congratulate Meghann for being nominated for the Nails Award! Her story is one of dedication, trust-building, and the profound rewards of investing time and energy into nurturing a vibrant learning community. Through her work, she exemplifies the essence of Value Schools—connecting, inspiring, and preparing our students to reach their fullest potential.