Teacher of the Year

MES is pleased to announce that our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year is  Mrs. Melissa McBride . 

I grew up in Carrollton, Georgia, where I began private music lessons and joined various choral and instrumental ensembles starting at the age of seven. I met my husband, Sean, at the University of Georgia in the Redcoat Marching Band. In 1999, we moved to Effingham County to begin our teaching careers, and I am now proud to be in my 27th year as the elementary music specialist at Marlow Elementary. I truly love Marlow and feel incredibly grateful that it has been my “home” for so many years.

In the classroom, I strive to inspire a lifelong love of music in my students. I teach general music to all students from kindergarten through fifth grade, direct the Marlow Chorus, and am beginning my 26th year as a percussion instructor for the South Effingham Marching Mustangs, where I have also served as the music arranger for many seasons.

Sean and I live in Rincon, Georgia, where we have raised our two boys. We couldn’t be more proud of them! Alex, 21, is a music education student at Kennesaw State University, and Patrick, 16, is preparing to begin his junior year at South Effingham High School.

In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, walking and caring for our two dogs, running, photography, thrifting (especially with my mom), reading, and cooking for those I love.