Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name: Melissa Fryatt

School: Dowagiac Middle School

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught: Currently seventh and eighth grade math, but I have also taught sixth grade math.

Where did you attend college? Grand Valley State University and Central Michigan University

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school? I started my ninth year teaching, all here at Dowagiac.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I really value the importance of an education and furthering your learning of all areas. I wanted to share my love of learning.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Snowmobiling

What is one thing your students may not know about you? My senior year of high school, my varsity softball team went to State.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Mercy Thompson because of her very strong female lead.

Who is your biggest role model and why? My parents for always doing the right thing and being there for me.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? Talk to them. Help them by just having them sit down and try the problems (even if they think they are wrong). Let them talk.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is … To not give up even when things are challenging.