Current Head of the English Department Melissa Smyly has been named director of curriculum and instruction, effective July 1.
“Melissa is a skilled collaborator who has demonstrated her dedication to promoting academic excellence, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, and supporting the professional growth and development of our faculty and staff,” said Head of School Brent Bell. “As a member of our Academic Leadership Team who has already been involved in developing curriculum across grade levels, implementing our leader standards, and creating compelling professional development opportunities for colleagues, she is the ideal candidate for this role.”
This new position is an expansion of the previous professional development coordinator, which was established to support the increasing emphasis on faculty growth. It continues the school's efforts to strengthen the academic program, like it did when reimagining the department head role two years ago to address the identified needs of better supporting teachers and directing curriculum.
“With that system working well now, this new position now recognizes the importance of supporting our department heads and division directors in coordinating our curriculum across disciplines and grade levels,” said Stefan Eady, assistant head of school for academic affairs. “Melissa will also be overseeing the implementation of a new instructional coaching model, which will support department heads in their responsibilities of leading teachers, and take on the coordination of our professional development programs.”
A seasoned educator, Smyly has two decades of experience in classroom instruction and administrative leadership. As head of Darlington’s English department, she is responsible for the English curriculum and instruction in grades 6-12. Prior to beginning her tenure at Darlington in 2017, she was a department coordinator at The Donoho School in Anniston, Ala., where she was responsible for the language arts curriculum and instruction in grades 4-12.
“I am eager to continue serving our school community in this new capacity,” said Smyly. “I am committed to collaborating closely with faculty, staff, students, and parents to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education and feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
Smyly holds a B.S. in Secondary Language Arts from Auburn University and an M.A. in Library Media Technology from the University of West Alabama. Additional roles she has held at Darlington include Upper School and middle grades English teacher, residential life duty staff member, cheerleading coach, lacrosse coach, and director of Musical Theater Camp and the Thatcher Hall musical. She has also received the George W. Awsumb Faculty Award and the R.M. Yankee Award for Excellence in Teaching.
She and her husband, Stephen, are the parents of Emily Anne Trebus (’22), Jake Trebus (’24) and Loftin Smyly (’33).
