Melissa Collins, the 2023 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, is a second-grade teacher in Memphis, Tennessee. Her classroom is her “happy place,” where she enjoys working with her bright, brilliant urban students. She is an expert in teacher leadership and voice and advocates for global learning, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and high standards for all students. She is the driving force behind her "Future Leaders of STEM" program, which she initiated to inspire young students to pursue careers in STEM fields. She believes in providing her students real-world exposure to STEM professions, organizing field trips, and facilitating interactions with professionals in the field.