Monica Meredith
Drama Club
Doctor of Education in Professional Studies
Coldwater, MS
Monica Meredith brings two decades of teaching experience and a deep commitment to educational equity. A Princeton University graduate with a degree in Psychology, Monica went on to earn a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction (Special Education) from the University of Mississippi and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership through the Principal Corps. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Delta State University.
Monica has taught in Alaska, Texas, D.C., Tennessee, and now Mississippi, with a career largely dedicated to serving students with special needs. Currently, she teaches 6th Grade Math at DeSoto Central Middle School (DCMS). Her passion for inclusion and access inspired her to reimagine the school’s Drama Club through her Fellowship project.
Project: DCMS Drama Club – Moana Jr. & Inclusive Theater
As sponsor of the DCMS Drama Club, Monica envisioned a program where students of all abilities could participate in a school production—not just as observers, but as full contributors. Her production of Moana Jr. became a platform for inclusion, expression, and celebration.
Working alongside colleagues in choir, set design, and ELA, Monica extended personal invitations to all 145 students at DCMS identified as having special needs. Students were invited to join the cast, crew, or ensemble based on interest—not audition requirements. Weekly rehearsals emphasized community-building, leadership, and cultural appreciation, with time dedicated to exploring Polynesian culture and the deeper message of the story.
The result? A five-show run with nearly 500 total attendees and record fundraising efforts, generating over $3,000—the club’s highest in eight years. Students gained confidence, maturity, and joy through their roles on stage and behind the scenes. Parents shared emotional stories of growth, and the production received high praise across the school community.
Impact & Growth
With support from TFA mentors Reagan Pugh and Harrison Wood, Monica balanced her work, home life, doctoral studies, and Fellowship responsibilities. She learned not only to lead—but to delegate, trust, and share ownership of a vision. The experience modeled the very lessons of inclusion, grace, and collaboration she instilled in her students.
As a result of the program’s success, DCMS awarded Monica a $3,000 grant to purchase microphones, headsets, and prop organization tools for future productions. Plans are already underway for Lion King Jr. in 2025, with early recruitment and summer preparation already in motion—including a new video campaign featuring returning students with special needs.
“God created us all perfectly as we were meant to be, and we all have special gifts and talents to share with the world. We truly learned and grew together—and I am so excited about what we will achieve in the coming year.”