Biography

Melani Kirk

Melani Kirk

Edison South Principal

Mrs. Kirk is a dedicated educator and leader with a profound passion for fostering growth and excellence within the Thomas Edison Charter School (TECS) community. With a strong belief in the school's philosophy and standards, Mrs. Kirk emphasizes the importance of maintaining high expectations for herself, teachers, aides, students, and parents alike. Guided by a growth mindset, Mrs. Kirk strives to inspire the entire TECS family to focus on improvement every day, reflecting their commitment to the essence of education.

A proud parent of children who have attended Thomas Edison K-9, Mrs. Kirk takes immense pride in being part of the students’ growth journey. Her educational philosophy aligns with the core values of Thomas Edison, where every individual is encouraged to achieve their best.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Kirk is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She has participated in triathlons for over a decade and currently enjoys activities such as road biking, swimming, CrossFit, hiking, snow skiing, motorcycle and quad riding, and camping—all shared with family and friends. Before embarking on a career in education, Mrs. Kirk was a passionate basketball player, earning a full-ride athletic scholarship to both Utah Valley Community College (UVCC) and Arizona State University (ASU). During her collegiate career, she received numerous accolades, including All-Region honors, Region MVP, Team MVP, and All-American status at UVCC. Additionally, she was recognized as Pac-10 Player of the Week at ASU, highlighted by a remarkable 42-point performance. In 2003 she was inducted into the UVCC Hall of Fame.

Qualifications:

  • Masters in Educational Leadership Northern Arizona University, (1997), Magna Cum Laude

  • Bachelor of Arts in Education Arizona State University, (1995)

  • Spalding Certified Teacher (2006)

  • Spalding Certified Teacher Instructor (2009)

  • Spalding Certified Executive Trainer (2012)

With a decade of teaching experience across various grades, including Elementary PE, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, a 5th/6th combination class, 6th grade, and Middle School English, Mrs. Kirk has honed her expertise in nurturing student success. From 2004 to 2012, she served as the Director of Instruction at Thomas Edison Charter Schools, before stepping into the role of co-principal in 2013 alongside Eldon Budge. Since then, Mrs. Kirk has continued to lead as Principal, guiding the school community with passion and purpose.

In summary, Mrs. Kirk tries to embody the spirit of Thomas Edison Charter School through her unwavering commitment to high standards, personal growth, and a love for learning—both in and out of the classroom.