Melissa Tan

Mathematical Thinking

MEd, Education Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand, BSc, Chemistry and Math Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Melissa joins EPS after working in public and independent schools as a middle and upper level math teacher in Singapore, New Zealand, and the San Francisco Bay Area for the last eight years. She has also previously taught chemistry in Singapore, high school statistics in New Zealand, and developed an inquiry-based curriculum at an edtech startup. She served as a Scout leader, coached the netball team, advised the math club, and led Outdoor Ed trips in her former schools. Melissa is passionate about engaging her students with low floor high ceiling tasks and problem-based learning that lead to rich mathematical discussions.

Originally from the Little Red Dot (Singapore), Melissa’s curiosity about the world took her backpacking to more than 50 countries and led her to discover her love for bouldering and lead climbing along the way. She recently relocated to Seattle and is excited about the weather, trails, and slopes that the PNW offers. When she is not in the classroom, Melissa finds joy and comfort in various indoor and outdoor activities: climbing, hiking, trying new recipes, board games, caring for her plants, and learning new skills (she recently started crocheting and is hooked on making stuffed animals!).