Leadership Journey
Melissa Romano’s leadership journey is rooted in more than two decades in the classroom as a mathematics educator. Currently an 8th grade math teacher in Helena, she has built learning environments centered on reasoning, conceptual understanding, and high expectations for every student. Throughout her career, she has championed equitable math instruction, mastery-based learning, and assessment systems that give students ownership of their progress. Her work has consistently focused on translating research and best practices into meaningful learning experiences for real students and families.
Melissa’s Journey
Beyond the classroom, Melissa has served as a systems leader dedicated to strengthening the teaching profession. As a K–5 Math Instructional Coach in Helena, she led districtwide professional learning on formative assessment and differentiation, helped design standards-based report cards, and supported teachers in using student data to guide instruction. Her national work as a virtual instructional coach and master teacher allowed her to mentor educators across the country while developing model lessons and advancing mastery-based instructional practices.
Melissa’s leadership also extends to state and national policy, union advocacy, and civic engagement. As a member of the Montana House of Representatives, she has brought classroom expertise directly into policy discussions, advocating for equitable assessment systems and strong public schools while building bipartisan coalitions.
She has contributed to national education organizations including Achieve’s EQuIP Task Force, Student Achievement Partners, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, helping shape conversations about assessment and student learning across the country.
Recognized as the 2018 Montana Teacher of the Year and a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, Melissa continues to deepen her leadership through the Leadership Montana Flagship Class of 2026 while working to elevate the voices of educators and public employees across the state.