Once Melissa Runge started working with adults with disabilities, she knew her career path would shift and that she was being called to impact students who faced similar challenges throughout their upbringings. As the current Special Education teacher at Sunflower Elementary School in Gardner, KS, Runge has utilized her skill set to improve countless lives over the past decade following her graduation from Emporia State University.
“I learned how those with disabilities didn’t have an advocate throughout school, and I wanted to become the advocate they never had,” said Runge. “I was terrified when I first learned I had been recommended for a position teaching gifted education, but it led me to becoming a Special Education teacher in a way that I hadn’t expected.”
In addition to teaching at Sunflower Elementary, Runge also provides her services to four additional elementary schools within the district. This has opened numerous opportunities for her to use her skill set and teaching methods to reach as many children in need as possible.
“I have incredible co-workers and amazing families,” said Runge. “In addition to Sunflower Elementary, the four new schools have opened their doors to me and accepted me as one of their own. It’s incredible to have an extended family.”
Runge receives advice from numerous individuals, but a majority comes from her mother. She once reminded her that ‘every child can learn, but not on the same day or in the same way’. To Runge, her mother is her teaching hero, whom she learned many of her skills from. As a former teacher herself, Runge’s mother provided a wealth of knowledge that Melissa now implements in her classrooms throughout the school year.
“For me, the first lesson I always teach my students is to be fearless,” said Runge. “So many of my students have learned what failure is like and how it hurts and causes us to put a wall up so we don’t try hard things. I always tell my students to put their Kindergarten brains on so they don’t freeze up when they come across something that is hard.”
She also implements a thoroughly healthy dose of kindness and humor. She reminds them that if they don’t laugh during the day, then she must have done something wrong. Runge fills up her weekends with her students’ extracurricular activities and goes above and beyond to show them that they matter and that she truly cares about them, beyond the classroom.
“I do my best to let my room be a non-judgmental area,” said Runge. “Race, gender, preference and religion matters in my room because that is what creates my students and their families, and not something you should be judged on, only celebrated.”
Teaching elementary-aged students can be challenging, which is why there are a few key approaches Runge follows in order to ensure those in her classroom feel safe, supported, loved and cherished:
- Never say ‘it’s easy’
- Don’t give up and don’t whine
- It’s okay to make mistakes
Additionally, she is also continually instilling her love and affection for each and every student she has the benefit, and privilege, of educating.
“I tell them the second they walk into my room as my student that they become one of my babies,” said Runge. “That doesn’t end when our 10 months is up, it ends when they no longer need me. I have third graders who are going into high school who still invite me to their games, or big events in their lives. I never want a student to leave my class and think back one day about how I didn’t like them.”
“Melissa prioritizes relationships with her students and families, allowing her to personalize instruction to create meaningful opportunities for independent practice & extension based on each child’s interests & abilities,” said one of Runge’s seven nominators, Jason Jones. “Being a dedicated advocate for all students, Melissa sees the best in every child, regardless of their circumstances. Beyond the classroom, Melissa is highly visible & active within our community. She regularly attends her students’ events & volunteers for various school activities.”
“As evidenced by her program-record seven nominators, Melissa is a one-of-a-kind educator who has made it her life’s mission to strengthen and empower the lives of those she educates,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “Her confidence, work ethic and commitment to her community exemplify how uniquely fortunate we are to have her in our local education system. Congratulations Melissa, and keep up the great work!”
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritans.
Through the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and Sporting KC are honoring students and teachers who are making a significant impact in Kansas City and inspiring others to do the same.