We were lucky to catch up with Melody Randolph recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melody, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

As an educator that has been in the system for over 10 years, I can truly attest that there are some gaps within our system that prevents the success of all of our children. I had a diverse back ground in education myself by coming from a private school to a public school, I experienced some of the gaps or misconceptions of education on the understanding of reading. I myself could read at a great pace but lacked comprehension. This is something that held me back from really making a smooth transition into the public sector of education. Thankfully transferring to a great school that had a great reading specialist at the public school saw the gap and not looked at it as a learning deficit within me knew right away what to do that helped me to fill that gap and prove of my high achievement by being placed in talented and gifted classes. But unfortunately many public schools may not be fortunate to have such a great specialist. Some educators do not understand or have never been taught on the understanding or science of Reading many there are several parts and steps that completes a great reader.

As an educator I can see that the Science of Reading is neccessary and vital to every school. This includes the private, charter and public. There should be no gaps and every curriculum should ensure that within its Reading program there is a strong phonics component. We should ensure that every school is given the necessary knowledge and tools provided so that the reader will have a holistic approach to reading.

This will ensure that each child is given the proper tools to be successful in reading and not be unfairly diagnosed. We are discovering in education that many children are being misplaced and misdiagnosed. This leads to deficits in many areas because of the misplacement of children that are gifted in certain areas and by inaccurate diagnosis they are misplaced. They are actually talented and gifted. But due to inappropriate testing and lack of understanding they are not prepared in a way that is geared to their gifts which leads them to more of the creative and hands on technological careers that are necessary and helpful for the future.

Melody, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an Author, Educator, and Vision Coach by heart that loves empowering children and adults. Through the Sounds of Melody LLC I have the opportunity to use knowledge and background skills to empower families to grow and develop routines that are beneficial to their careers and education. I provide Vision Board Workshops, one on one goal setting, and tutoring for children between the ages of pre-k-5th grade. I am a certified elementary teacher that loves pouring into children and watching them grow and develop in every subject area. In my Vision Board Workshops, I use questioning and declarations to help attendees to create and write specific and intentional goals that are geared to what they are setting out to accomplish. Then forming and writing out daily routines to meet their goals. On a weekly basis I encourage through the Vision Tribe and have follow up sessions that occur on a bimonthly and 6 month basis.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the year of 2008, I was in the midst of my new career of teaching. I was so excited having the opportunity to begin and my children were all starting to grow up. But then all of a sudden, I was pregnant again with my fourth child, but was told by the doctors that I needed to go on bed rest. In this particular year, I was completing my certification for teaching in this program called TAPP. I was so sad because of the work I put in but didn’t want to risk any issues with my pregnancy. So I stopped working and went on bed rest. This was a depressing time for me because I was having to stop working which was my livelihood and just rest. I couldn’t even enjoy my pregnancy as much because of it being unexpected. This pregnancy was truly a surprise. Yet in this place of quiet and stillness I birthed forth the Non Profit-Daughters of Esther at the time. Now called Embracing the Queen Within. It is an organization that is geared to helping women deal with transition, domestic violence and hardships that occur in their lives. I was able to work on some projects within the community and create a platform that would help many women to find their careers and confidence again by providing suits, shoes and makeovers. We are able to touch their lives through classes and building relationships with women as well. We went on and continue to have Vision Board Classes where we continue to help them to dream, set goals and walk out their vision for their lives by creating a safe place of networking.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what helped me to build my reputation within the market is showing I truly care. I also create content that is authentic and transparent. I found out that by being honest and giving of time that it will create connections that go beyond acquaintances but blossom into real friendships. I am all about being myself and spreading joy into people’s lives. I believe that is what is building my reputation in the market of motivational speaking and tutoring company.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesoundsofmelody.com
• Instagram: @the_sounds_of_melody
• Facebook: Melody Randolph
• Twitter: @melodyrs30
• Youtube: @soundsofmelody

Image Credits

Durriyah Putman, Sarah Saunders, Rose Register, Healed in Heels