This year marks the start of a new chapter at Casa Grande High School, as Mrs. Melanie Wodhams is taking her position as the new Child Development teacher. This year, students taking Child Development will gain a deeper understanding of how children from all around the world learn, think, and grow differently. For Wodhams, this is an exciting and inviting opportunity to explore new ways of teaching that invite both positivity and patience into her classroom this year at Casa Grande.

High-spirited and enthusiastic, Wodhams brings the perfect mix of laughter and learning when she is working with her students. Wodhams’s past experience in the classroom varied between multiple different subjects, and now she is thrilled and more than ready to explore a fresh start. Between letting her creativity, personality, and ideas shine bright, she is helping her students understand the importance of nurturing young minds.

For Wodhams, the opportunity to teach this class is the next step in her career, building on connection as well as curiosity. Before joining the Casa staff, and after graduating UCSC with both her Bachelors and Masters, Wodhams worked at several different schools around the North East Bay. However, after several years of working in the education field, she took a short break to focus on herself, her family, and travel. In the end though, it was her husband that played a key role in helping her return
to the classroom, and apply for a job here at Casa Grande.

Since beginning her journey here, Wodhams had taught countless talented young students, and to this day, she still enjoys forming bonds with each and every single one of them. Whether that means asking them about their weekend before class, or staying after to help a student better understand what they are learning, she believes that impactful learning begins with genuine connections.

“One of my biggest strengths as a teacher is being able to really connect with my students.” She adds, “When I ask my students about their lives, it not only helps me understand more about them, but I also build real connections with them.”

From the moment you step into her classroom until the moment you leave, it’s clear that her enthusiasm and warmth aren’t just for show; she truly cares about her students and their lives. She shows genuine interest and care when learning what they had to say. When introducing new ideas to the class, Wodhams is not afraid to jump right in and demonstrate what true impactful teaching looks like. While standing at the head of the classroom, her explanations are clear and never rushed; she offers multiple examples, not just focusing on the “how” but the “why” as well.

For Wodhams, the Child Development program is more than just an elective at Casa, it’s a new opportunity for students to learn valuable life skills that will apply beyond the classroom. “It’s great information if you want to work in education someday, or if you want to be a parent in the future,” she states. This class teaches students about empathy, patience, and communication — all skills that will help students on their journey throughout their high school years.

Looking ahead, Wodhams is continuing to develop and grow the program, making it even more interesting and insightful for learning students. With her warmth, dedication, and genuine love for the classroom and her students, Wodhams is not only helping her students understand how children develop, but how they can themselves as well.

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