Melissa Perkins, MAEd

From Experienced Art Teacher to Online Graduate Student

For more than three decades, Melissa Perkins has inspired young artists to explore creativity, build confidence, and discover their own unique voices through art. Today, after 34 years as an art educator, she has become a student again, pursuing the online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D).

Her journey demonstrates that the best educators never stop learning.

"I always wanted to work with kids," Melissa explains. "At first, I thought I'd become a child psychologist, but I couldn't imagine leaving art behind."

That realization led her to a lifelong career in art education, where she has helped generations of students develop not only artistic skills but also confidence, resilience, and creative problem-solving abilities.

Teaching Beyond the Art Project

Melissa believes the true value of art education extends far beyond creating beautiful artwork.

"I always tell the kids, you don't have to like art. Just try it."

Throughout her career, she has encouraged students to experiment, embrace mistakes, and trust the creative process. For Melissa, success isn't measured by a finished project—it's measured by a student's willingness to explore, grow, and discover their own strengths.

"Sometimes you must address the student and the mind before you can address what I'm trying to teach them."

This student-centered philosophy has shaped her classroom for decades and continues to influence her work today.

Why Choose the Online MAEd at Maine College of Art & Design?

Although Melissa wasn't seeking a career change, she wanted to strengthen her teaching practice and continue growing as an educator. She enrolled in the fully online Master of Arts in Education at Maine College of Art & Design to deepen her understanding of teaching, learning, creativity, and educational practice.

The flexible online format made it possible to balance graduate school with a full-time teaching career.

"The asynchronous piece is huge."

Like many working professionals, Melissa appreciated the ability to complete coursework on her own schedule while immediately applying new ideas in her classroom.

Rediscovering the Student Experience

One of the greatest surprises of returning to graduate school wasn't simply the convenience of online learning—it was rediscovering what it feels like to be a student.

"You get into that teacher role. You forget the anxieties and the apprehensions and everything that a student feels."

Experiencing graduate education from the learner's perspective renewed her empathy for students and strengthened her teaching practice.

"I'm a student now, too."

That renewed perspective has become one of the most valuable outcomes of her graduate education, reminding her that lifelong learning is essential for effective teaching.

Turning Family Stories into Creative Learning

Melissa's MAEd capstone project beautifully combined education, storytelling, and visual art.

Inspired by her family's tradition of taking "deer runs" to observe wildlife, she created a children's book that encourages young readers to slow down, notice the natural world, and develop curiosity through observation and imagination.

The project reflects everything Melissa values about education: creativity, storytelling, connection, and experiential learning. It also represents her belief that art can help children better understand both themselves and the world around them.

Continuing to Inspire Future Learners

As she looks toward the future, Melissa plans to spend more time creating artwork in her studio, writing additional children's books, and eventually teaching at the college level.

The online Master of Arts in Education at Maine College of Art & Design has become more than a graduate degree—it has opened new possibilities while reaffirming the values that have guided her throughout her career.

After 34 years in the classroom, Melissa continues to demonstrate that great teachers remain lifelong learners. Through curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to continuous growth, she is preparing for the next chapter while continuing to inspire students of every age.

For educators seeking to advance their careers through flexible online learning, Melissa's journey illustrates how the online MAEd at Maine College of Art & Design empowers teachers to grow professionally while continuing to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms.