2021 Neag School Outstanding Professional
A graduate of the Neag School’s talent development and gifted and talented education master’s program, Melissa Thom serves as a library media specialist for Bristow Middle School in West Hartford, Connecticut. In that role, she is known for her passion for enriching the educational lives of students and teachers. She has been recognized with multiple teacher of the year awards, including a National Council for Geographic Education Distinguished K-12 Teacher Award. Thom’s leadership efforts include serving as the vice president of the Connecticut Association of School Librarians (CASL). With CASL, she recently organized a virtual conference with 150 authors and 500 attendees. An accomplished presenter, Thom has spoken to local, national, and international audiences. During the pandemic, she has used her extensive social media presence, including her nearly 4,000 followers, to support and engage with other educators.
“Melissa’s passion to enrich and expand the educational lives of students and teachers is unsurpassed. Whether she is recommending books, setting up virtual author visits, leading community Makerspace activities, Melissa’s enthusiasm shines through.”
— Shannon McNeice, Library Media Specialist,
Sedgwick Middle School, West Hartford, Connecticut
