Plano West Senior High 2026

Melissa Wegleitner

Plano West Senior High - High School AP Micro & Macro Economics, Grades 11–12
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

At the heart of my teaching is one unwavering belief: every student can learn, grow, and achieve something meaningful beyond high school when given the opportunity, encouragement, and support to do so. My philosophy is rooted in the idea that education should empower students to see their own potential, develop confidence through challenge, and recognize that their voice and story matter. Teaching is more than my profession; it is my purpose. My greatest motivation is helping students recognize their own worth and ability, especially when they are unsure of it themselves or when they feel they have been overlooked by the world around them.

When I first arrived at Plano West, the Government and Economics curriculum was limited in scope and accessibility. Over the years, I have intentionally worked to transform it into a program that is rigorous yet inclusive, relevant yet approachable, and designed for students of all abilities. My goal has been to make economics meaningful to students’ lives; to help them understand not only content, but how financial literacy, decision-making, and economic reasoning impact their futures. Whether in an on-level class or AP Economics, I consistently reinforce the message that no student is defined by a label, past performance, or whether they “should” be in an AP class. Every student who walks into my classroom has the ability to master complex graphs, math, and economic concepts, and I work daily to ensure they believe that, too.

Not only does Plano West have one of the largest numbers of students taking both the AP Micro and Macro exams, but our results consistently stand among the best. However, while I’m proud of the 4s and 5s on AP Micro and Macro exams, my true teacher of the year moments happen in the quiet seconds after a student finally masters a complex graph they thought was impossible; that look of sudden clarity is my instructional gold. This excellence is not limited to AP students; my on-level economics students also consistently outperform their district peers on semester final exams, demonstrating that high achievement is possible for all learners when they feel supported, challenged, and genuinely believed in. While I am honored by these results, I am always clear with parents and colleagues: these achievements belong entirely to my students. My role is simply to provide the structure, clarity, and purposeful strategies that help them unlock these concepts with confidence.

My classroom is intentionally designed to be a place where students feel valued, welcomed, and safe. I want every student to know they belong, not only as learners but as individuals with unique strengths. Beyond academics, I invest in building community by sponsoring multiple student clubs each year. These groups often become the places where students discover their people, step into leadership, and develop a sense of identity. Providing these opportunities reflects my belief that learning extends far beyond the curriculum and that a true sense of belonging is essential for students to thrive.

My teaching style reflects a commitment to meeting students where they are and guiding them forward with purpose. I intentionally build opportunities for productive struggle into my lessons because I believe students learn best when they grapple with challenging material in a supportive environment. I use purposeful grouping so students can discover that each of them brings valuable strengths to the table. Watching students talk through complex concepts together doesn't just deepen understanding; it fosters community. These moments of struggle show me exactly where students need reinforcement, allowing me to refine lessons in real-time. I scaffold instruction and maintain high rigor, while ensuring students feel safe to take risks and ask "the wrong" questions.

What I believe makes me an outstanding educator is my commitment to truly knowing my students; their stories, their fears, and their goals. I advocate for them when needed, celebrate them when they succeed, and guide them when the marginal cost of the effort feels too high. I measure success not only through strong academic outcomes, but through the confidence and clarity of purpose students carry with them after leaving my classroom. I am continually reminded of this impact when former students reach out to tell me how a guest speaker shaped their career path, or how the notes from our class helped them find their footing in a difficult college course. These moments affirm my belief that teaching is about listening, investing, and walking alongside students as they discover who they are.

To ensure my students receive the most relevant instruction possible, I am deeply committed to my own professional growth. I consistently read economics journals, engage with professionals in finance, and participate in development at Federal Reserve locations. These experiences allow me to bring contemporary economic realities into the classroom, ensuring the material is never just theoretical but always tangible.

The rewards of teaching reveal themselves in the growth I witness every day: when a student who once doubted themselves begins to speak with authority, or when a struggling learner experiences the pride of mastery. I find immense purpose in supporting students who may have felt underestimated and helping them see the potential that has always existed within them. To be nominated for Teacher of the Year reinforces that the work we do together inside and outside the classroom is meaningful. I am deeply grateful to teach the students of Plano West and remain fully committed to inspiring, challenging, and empowering every learner who walks through my door.

---

Principal's Recommendation

Dear Plano ISD Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is my honor to recommend Ms. Melissa Wegleitner, Social Studies Department Chair and AP Economics teacher at Plano West Senior High School, for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year. Ms. Wegleitner exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership, and service, and her impact on students, colleagues, and our campus community is tremendous.

In the classroom, Ms. Wegleitner sets a high standard of rigor and engagement that leads to student success. Her AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics classes challenge students academically. Her instructional approach empowers students to think critically, solve problems independently, and develop confidence in their abilities—skills that extend well beyond the AP exam. Students describe her classroom as a place where they feel safe to take risks, are valued as individuals, and are excited to learn. One student shared, "For every memory I have from my 12 years in school, most are accompanied by one of a nervous kid who didn't fit in and had trouble understanding concepts the way most if not all teachers taught them. Admittedly, that has gotten better as I've gotten older and learned how to adjust, but school still often had the undertones of that same kid who felt like he didn't fit in with school. If Mrs. W was my teacher through all those years, I think I may look back on these last 12 years with a warm smile and regret that it ever had to end."

Her peers share that Ms. Wegleitner is helpful and is a "go-to" person on campus. If there is something that needs to be done, she is responsive and resourceful. They trust her as someone who is reliable and trustworthy. All of this is done with a positive, cheerful attitude. She goes above and beyond for her department. She takes care of her people well. Ms. Wegleitner is a mentor for new teachers, offering great guidance and practical support. She takes initiative and follows through, bringing forth a positive sense of community.

As Social Studies Department Chair, Ms. Wegleitner's leadership has been equally impactful. Under her guidance, the U.S. History team achieved some of the highest End-of-Course results in the district, including a 98% Approaches /Meets/Masters standard during the 2025–26 school year. She leads with both high expectations and empathy, supporting her colleagues through curriculum development, instructional planning, and the implementation of new initiatives. Her work as a Plano ISD curriculum writer, summer school and EOC teacher, club sponsor, and campus PLANner reflects her commitment to collective success and continuous improvement.

What truly distinguishes Ms. Wegleitner is the influence she has on students as a mentor and role model. Students consistently describe her as empathetic, approachable, and invested in their growth—not only academically, but personally. She takes time to listen, guide, and encourage, helping students navigate challenges with confidence and resilience. Her ability to teach content while modeling kindness, problem-solving, and humanity leaves a lasting impression that students will carry far beyond their years at Plano West.

Ms. Wegleitner's dedication extends outside our campus as well. She is a respected AP Economics reader, sharing her expertise nationally during the summer. In her community, she serves as a Wylie ISD Education Foundation volunteer and cheer booster president at Wylie East High School, further demonstrating her tireless commitment to supporting students and schools.

Melissa Wegleitner is a culture-builder, an instructional leader, and a champion for students and staff alike. She embodies the very best of our profession and represents Plano ISD with distinction. I strongly recommend her for selection as Plano ISD Teacher of the Year.

Sincerely,

Billie Jean Lee
Principal
Plano West Senior High