Melena f Walter
Melena Walter is a dedicated educator and current student teacher at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where she has been actively involved in the education field for four years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education K–12 and is on track to receive full certification upon graduation. Melena has demonstrated academic excellence while engaging deeply with the campus community through leadership roles such as the Golden Rams Society Philanthropy Ambassador. She has advocated for student interests at the Pennsylvania State Capitol and has contributed to nonprofit initiatives focused on equity and accessibility, reinforcing her commitment to inclusive education.
Melena brings extensive experience in disability education and adaptive learning, having completed multiple specialized courses in adaptive physical education. She currently serves as a lead instructor for an adaptive swimming program, teaching students with Down syndrome and other conditions, and has worked in the University Disability Office to support students in transitioning their IEPs and 504 plans to higher education. Her professional focus includes curriculum alignment, universal design of learning, and fostering lifelong physical activity, motor skills, social skills, and health education for K–12 students. Through this work, she empowers students of all abilities to achieve their potential and advocates for disability rights and disability justice.
Passionate about fostering growth and independence in her students, Melena thrives on building long-term relationships with learners, sometimes spanning two to four years. She emphasizes teaching lifelong skills and interpersonal communication through movement and skills-based learning, creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering environments. By combining her expertise in health and physical education with her dedication to adaptive instruction and advocacy, Melena continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young adults while contributing to higher education and nonprofit communities.
• Health and Physical Education K-12 Certification
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania - BS, Health and Physical Education/Fitness
• Joan Auden Physical Education Scholarship
• Scott Robinson Memorial Scholarship
• Patrick Memorial Scholarship
• Student Government 47ers at Westchester University
• Currently in running for Commencement Speaker
• SHAPE PA
• PSEA (Pennsylvania Teaching Association)
• Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia
• Lead Instructor for Swimming Adaptive Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say all of my teachers, my previous teachers in grade school, have shown me that just because I am different and I may be neurodiverse myself, because I have ADHD, that it doesn't matter. I am just as capable as anyone else. It really just depends on the type of guidance and cultivating that positive environment with your students inside and outside the classroom.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You don't have to stay where you're at. You can change your career as many times as you want. You will learn things about yourself as you continue to go through life. It was funny, I went to the state capitol this week to advocate for higher education, and I met the senator for my county, and she started out exactly where I was. I talked to her, and, you know, your job doesn't have to be within the four walls of a classroom. You can choose wherever you want to teach.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let past experiences get in the way of your dreams.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think some of the biggest challenges are that we are by ourselves a lot, and with Health and Phys Ed, there's a lot of safety, so making sure that we're really paying attention and having that support wherever we need it. Another challenge is the openings. I mean, I just started looking, but a lot of these people stay in the field for a while, and so there isn't as many openings. Things that are great about it is that you really get to teach them those lifelong skills, and you can also watch them grow. Versus a traditional classroom teacher, you only have them for a year. I get to have some of these kids for 2 to 4 years, and it's amazing to grow with them and learn from my students as well, as they learn from me.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think that before I can get my students' respect, I need to build a positive rapport with them. So, showing them that I'm not just a teacher, that I'm also a person is important. Putting the work in, making sure that my activities are engaging and meaningful for my students, not just teaching something because it's required. How can I make it fun for my students that will make them remember it for a lifetime, and use these skills for a lifetime.