Testimonials
Melissa’s pedagogical knowledge, wealth of teaching experience, and passion for helping her students develop into skilled, thoughtful, well-informed practitioners make her a tremendous asset to those that work with and learn from her.
Jennifer Letcher Gray, Ph.D.
Marymount University
Dr. Landa is an outstanding and innovative teacher. She is also a collaborative and supportive colleague. Dr. Landa's value to the College of Education is unquestionable as is her integrity and commitment excellence.
Ayanna Baccus, Ph.D.
University of Maryland
Melissa transmits her passion for culturally responsive teaching to her students. Our preservice teachers who have had Dr. Landa in EDCI443 (Children's Literature) seek her out as their instructor for EDCI342 (Language Arts)...She volunteers to speak at internship seminars so that all interns can join in the dialogue about cross-cultural competence, and she has conducted demonstration lessons in our Professional Development School sites.
Leslie Gettier
University of Maryland
I met Dr. Landa for the first time in a study abroad info session. The program was set to take place in Israel studying the assimilation of Ethiopian Jews. I identify as Ethiopian and have family who are refugees in Israel. Over the years, they have told me about the many Ethiopian Jewish friends they have made, and naturally I was very intrigued by the course material. I desperately wanted to attend. The only problem was that I couldn't afford a study abroad trip. I could barely afford tuition. Dr. Landa took note of my interest in the trip and worked tirelessly to ensure that a first generation college student like myself, and four others, would be able to afford the trip. The two weeks in Israel to come were some of my fondest memories as a Terp and is an experience I speak on often.
Hannah Terefe, UMD Student
Melissa is a pioneer in her field, constantly creating new classes and lesson plans to guide students through the topics no one wants to talk about. Racial tensions in this country are real and present. I don't think anyone would deny that. Having someone like Melissa on the front lines with our youth, imparting years of knowledge and experience living in America as a Jewish woman is absolutely invaluable ... is absolutely invaluable in attacking one of our nations biggest issues from the ground up. She completely changed my perspective on where I fell in society and how I could open up a dialogue with someone of a different race or socioeconomic background. I have found her teaching to be paramount in my starting conversations and finding common ground with those from different cultures.
Jesse Williams, UMD Alumnus
Dr. Landa's tireless efforts have tremendously impacted not only the immediate University of Maryland community, but also the lives of countless school children. The pre-service educators she trains have gone on to become highly rated leaders in the field. They challenge injustice, demand equity, and work, with the passion they gleaned from Dr. Landa's example, to secure a better educational climate for generations of young people to come.. Landa encouraged critical analysis, open and respectful discourse, and the pursuit of academic freedom in a way other professors whose classes I took at the time, simply did not.
Georgina Stephens, UMD Alumna
Ever since I encountered Dr. Landa, she became my role model, who listens, cares, loves, and encourages her students to reach their full potential.
Semi Kim, UMD Alumna
Dr. Landa leads by example, and has always shown that she values student opinions and input. When she sees that her students struggle with something, she makes it her mission to help them overcome it. Her teaching style encourages thought-provoking class discussions where we shared our interpretations of the material and applied it to how we could approach discussing these issues with children.
Clara Allsup, UMD Alumna
Melissa taught me how to be a teacher. She is the ultimate model of an outstanding teacher. She cares about her students, children, and all people. She values and encourages differences.Melissa Landa is a one of a kind person. She is selfless, compassionate, and dedicated to all that she does.
Samantha Tanner, UMD Alumna
I had the privilege of attending a study abroad program led by Professor Landa. Her knowledge and expertise made the experience that much more memorable and enjoyable. I have not one experience with professor Landa that has been unprofessional. She is a wonderful professor and individual, which is reflected in her treatment of students and teaching methods in and outside of the classroom.
Rosa Quintanilla, UMD Alumna
Melissa has built connections with her students that MANY professors cannot build. She has provided valuable resources and experiences to students that MANY professors cannot provide. Melissa Landa is irreplaceable.
Carina Ferreira, UMD Alumna
Out of all the classes I have taken at UMD (I am finishing my junior year), EDCI243 has been one of the best. The material was interesting, intellectually challenging and really got me to think and consider my own world views and how my own perspective has been shaped by society. I wish more students were able to take this class because I think the topics we covered are so important and relevant to everyone, especially in the current political climate of this country. Dr. Landa was kind, understanding, and passionate about the subject material. She treated each topic with care and spoke very well about difficult topics and controversial social issues. It also was evident that she truly cared about each student as an individual. I always felt comfortable approaching her and she was accommodating when I needed extra help.
Anonymous Course Evaluation