“I’m an educator because I want to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Melodie White, principal of Theron Jones Early Literacy Center. “I want students to love learning and to become lifelong learners. I want them to realize they can do anything they put their minds to and are willing to put in the hard work to accomplish.”

Melodie has wanted to be an educator for as long as she can remember. “I recall bringing extra school work home and playing school with my dolls, siblings, and friends as a young child,” she said. “My mom was an educator. She owned a daycare in our home, and I remember helping her take care of the children in her care. Seeing how much she enjoyed taking care of and teaching children inspired me to want to do the same.”

After earning her bachelor’s in early childhood education at Southern University and A&M College in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Melodie taught in various school districts before she and her husband, Mark, along with their son, Justin, moved to Texarkana in 2001. Mark’s job necessitated the move, but it was what the Whites found in Texarkana that convinced them to stay.

“I wanted a place where my son could grow up and make lifelong friends, and I wanted the same for my husband and myself,” she recalled. “We found that in Texarkana, and Texarkana soon became our home.”

Melodie was hired as a kindergarten teacher at Theron Jones, a position she kept for eight years. During that time, she served as a team leader and a mentor teacher, and she was recognized as the campus’ Teacher of the Year. She felt like she had found her niche.

“It was always my plan to teach kindergarten my entire educational career,” Melodie explained. “I never had the desire to move into a leadership role.”

“I am proud of the positive climate and culture that we have created on our campus.”

— Melodie White

But the women around her urged her to dream bigger. “Jennell Ingram, my principal at the time, saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Melodie said. “She encouraged me to move out of the classroom into other roles. And my best friends, Kristi Lewis and Jenny Pinnell-Norton, convinced me to enroll in graduate school later in life.”

Melodie earned two master’s degrees. Her first, in curriculum and instruction, empowered her to serve as a curriculum coach. Her second, in educational leadership, “opened doors to leadership opportunities,” she said. She worked as the Theron Jones assistant principal before stepping into her current role as principal.

Mark, Melodie, and Justin recently visited Yellowstone National Park.
submitted photo

School culture is incredibly important to Melodie. “I am proud of the positive climate and culture that we have created on our campus,” she said. “It’s an environment where students and staff feel like they belong, they can succeed, they are supported and loved.”

Outside of work, Melodie is an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas, where she is a youth Sunday school teacher, the president of the usher board, and the secretary of the women’s missionary board. She is also a member of the Junior League of Texarkana and has chaired various committees. “I enjoy volunteering in the community [with JLT] as we support children’s literacy [and fight] hunger and poverty,” she said. “One of my favorite events is ‘Shoes for the Soul and Clothes for a Cause.’ We take local students shopping at Target for clothes and shoes. I love seeing the smiles on their faces as we shop.”

FSLM ASKED MELODIE…

If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? Take advantage of opportunities that come your way; you never know what doors they will open in the future.

What television show are you currently watching? I enjoy watching the series 1923. My son worked on the show.

Name a woman who inspires you. My aunt Rosemary is my second mom. She always encourages me and prays for me daily.

Each woman featured in this issue was chosen by an honoree from last year’s Tribute to Women to be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the Texarkana community.

Elodia Witterstaetter’s Words:

Melodie is a great school leader and community member whose qualities greatly contribute to her effectiveness and the positive impact she has on those around her. Her ability to connect with others on a personal level—especially in the roles of campus principal and member of the Junior League of Texarkana—showcases her exceptional interpersonal skills and deep commitment to her community. Her genuine care for her students, staff, and community not only enriches those immediate relationships but also sets a powerful example for others. This past year, I have stepped into a new leadership role in our district, and it has given me the opportunity to work with Melodie more closely and see her in action. She consistently exhibits the positive character traits of honesty, kindness, empathy, and authenticity. She remains grounded, humble, and one who is first to give credit to others. She genuinely cares about her students, staff, and community. I am fortunate to know her as a colleague and friend.

Feature Stories

Tribute to Women: Melodie White