Melissa Goodlett
Educator/Consultant
Melissa Leonard-Goodlett is an experienced educator, instructional leader, and literacy advocate with over two decades of experience spanning k-12 and higher education. With advanced degrees in education and educational leadership, she has served as an English and AP teacher, curriculum writer, mentor, and instructional coach dedicated to improving outcomes for diverse learners. Melissa is now launching a consulting business focused on advancing literacy in secondary and higher education through culturally responsive practices, teacher development, and evidence-based instruction grounded in the science of reading.
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May 26, 2026
More Than A Diversity Hire with Dr. Melissa Leonard-Goodlett
Melissa Leonard-Goodlett, EdD. knew she was a diversity hire. She took the job anyway because she was also the most qualified person in the room.In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Melissa breaks down a career that went from dyslexic kid playing teacher with her siblings, to AP English instructor watching Black students pay for a high school education they never actually received, to burning out at a wealthy PWI where parent surveys went straight to HR and her principal never once stepped foot in her classroom.She saw the literacy crisis from both sides: underfunded schools pushing kids through, and affluent schools inflating grades to protect their reputation. Same problem. Different zip code.After years of microaggressions, invisibility, and hives she couldn't explain, she resigned. Now she's an educational consultant, reclaiming her why one new teacher at a time.
Guest: Melissa Goodlett