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About Me

Hi, I’m Melanie, the founder of Need to Read Literacy Coaching. My passion for reading and critical thinking has shaped both my personal and professional journey.

My interest in literacy deepened when my own child showed signs of executive function challenges. In researching ways to help, I discovered the power of active reading—connecting new information to prior knowledge, asking questions, and thinking critically while reading. This experience opened my eyes to how reading is more than decoding words; it’s about making sense, solving problems, and applying knowledge across every subject.

Professionally, I’ve built on this passion through graduate-level coursework in reading in the content areas, and I helped design and implement my school’s Reading Across the Curriculum program. My classroom was selected as a model site for annotated reading strategies, and I was even filmed teaching my learners so that other educators could benefit from my methods.

When I began tracking learner growth through active and annotated reading, I saw significant results—my learners’ ACT Reading and Science scores increased substantially. Although ACT Science is no longer required, learners may still choose to take it, and the same strategies apply. Additionally, my writing tips and techniques support success on the ACT Writing test, as well as AP-level essays, such as Document-Based Questions (DBQs).

Now, through Need to Read Coaching, I’m excited to bring these strategies to learners in grades 8 and above. My goal is to help them not only strengthen their reading and writing skills, but also build the confidence and critical thinking habits they’ll need for success in high school, college, and beyond.

I have over 25 years of experience in the secondary classroom. Science can feel like a different language—but I speak it fluently. With certifications in General Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, I help learners turn confusion into confidence.

As a LaSIP (Physical Science and Mathematics) and AP (Biology and Physics) trained educator and recipient of awards including the TFAE Inspirational Teacher Award and API Distinguished Educator Award, I make science approachable, logical, and even a little fun. Because when learners understand how science works, they start to believe they can do it, too.

My graduate studies include a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and an additional +30 graduate hours in Educational Administration and Supervision, reflecting both deep expertise in instructional design and leadership in effective teaching practices. I also participated in the Louisiana Systemic Initiatives Program (LaSIP) in English/Literacy before its conclusion in 2014, further strengthening my foundation in evidence-based literacy instruction. These combined experiences shape the framework of Need to Read Coaching and Science Tutoring, where I integrate sound curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and clear communication to help every learner achieve measurable growth.

You may view my Louisiana teaching certificate at www.teachlouisiana.net under my full name, Melanie Marie Mills.