MEET MELISSA
Why Melissa?
Because strong unions are built on relationships, and Melissa has spent her career bringing people together to solve problems and move Montana forward.
Melissa Romano is a lifelong Montanan. She was raised in Helena, where she continues to live, teach, and serve her community today.
As a public school educator and proud union member, Melissa has dedicated her career to strengthening Montana’s public education system and advocating for the professionals who make our schools and communities work every day. She believes that when educators and public employees have a strong voice at the table, students, families, and communities benefit.
Melissa’s commitment to education and professional excellence has earned statewide and national recognition. She received the National Science Foundation’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2012 and was named Montana Teacher of the Year in 2018. These honors have created opportunities for Melissa to step into leadership roles where she has collaborated with educators, union members, policymakers, and community leaders across Montana and the nation to strengthen math and science education and advocate for the professionals who deliver it.
Throughout her career, Melissa has built strong relationships with educators, public employees, parents, administrators, and students, always working to ensure that the voices of those on the front lines of public service are heard and respected.
Melissa Romano
Melissa approaches challenges by listening first. Throughout her career as an educator, legislator, and union member, she has believed that the best solutions come from the people doing the work every day. She values the voices of educators, school staff, and public employees and uses thoughtful analysis and real-world experience to guide decisions that strengthen public services and support Montana’s communities.
Melissa’s leadership is rooted in collaboration. She understands that progress requires bringing people together, building trust, and working across differences to achieve results. In the Legislature and in her work with communities across Montana, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to build relationships, find common ground, and advocate effectively for working people.
Melissa Romano represents leadership grounded in listening, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the public employees who serve Montana every day. She believes a strong union ensures that the voices of members are heard, respected, and empowered to shape the future of our workplaces and our communities.
State Senator Laura Smith and I advocating for funding for wrap around school services.
Rep. Marylin Marler, Rep. Zooey Zephyr and I
Celebration of Excellence Dinner at MFPE Annual Conference.
Photo with other leaders who also attended the national childcare meeting at the White House.
Adding a bill to "hopper."
Meeting HOSA students.
Door knocking with MFPE President Amanda Curtis.
My children, Brody and Aila
I am the current Elementary Representative for the Council of Presidential Awardees in Mathematics Teaching.
Speaking at the Women's March in Helena.
Photo opportunity during a national childcare meeting at the White House.
Meeting President Obama during a professional development trip to Washington D.C as a recipient of the PAEMST award.
Past President, Eric Feaver, current President, Amanda Curtis and I
NEA President, Becky Pringle and I at the MFPE Annual conference.
Appearing on National Television advocating the need for teachers to part of policy making.