Melissa Compson

Cahn Fellow 2019

Principal, Queens Explorers Elementary School

Ozone Park, New York

Melissa Compson was appointed as founding Principal of Queens Explorers Magnet School in September 2014. Ms. Compson’s education philosophy is rooted in the belief that all children can learn. She has been advocating for her students by implementing innovative curricular practices for the school’s instructional core and individualizing student learning goals through a daily Reteach and Enrich program. Ms. Compson has also worked to embed social-emotional literacy into the culture of the school through the instructional units, the service-learning theme and the core values. Ms. Compson has been an educator for 19 years and has worked in the following positions: Classroom Teacher, Literacy Coach, Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Ms. Compson received a Bachelor of Science in General and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo, Masters of Science in Literacy from Long Island University and School Building Leader/School District Leader certificates from the College of St. Rose.