Melissa Shields
Dr. Melissa Shields serves as the Assistant State Superintendent of Student Learning for the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Prior to this role, she led the ALSDE Office of School Improvement for a number of years. In addition to supporting schools in their continuous improvement efforts, she coordinated with community and industry organizations to align resources and human capital with specific needs in area schools, including those related to attendance, mental health, and foundational wellness. Before moving into administrative roles, Dr. Melissa Shields taught language arts and/or history for 17 years, Grades 6–12. At the district level, she supervised various departments, including Curriculum, Instructional Technology, Library Media, School Improvement, and English Learners. She completed her doctorate at the University of Alabama with a focus on curriculum and school reform. She was Nationally Board Certified in 2000 and renewed in 2010 and 2020 while serving in district and state leadership roles, respectively.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Shields enjoys family time and outdoor activities. She has been married for 34 years and is the proud mother of two daughters and grandmother to a brand-new granddaughter.
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