Melissa Hayhurst was named Chief Academic Officer for Humble ISD in January 2025. With 35 years of service in the district as a teacher, principal, and administrator, she brings both depth of experience and a clear vision for the future of teaching and learning. In this Q&A, Hayhurst shares insights into her leadership approach, priorities, and what academic success means for students across the district.
Q: What’s your top priority as Chief Academic Officer?
Hayhurst: Simply put, the top priority of the Teaching and Learning team is to help every student succeed. That starts with making sure every teacher, on every campus, has what they need to teach effectively, starting with a clear, consistent curriculum.
Q: What should teachers know about the support they’ll get?
Hayhurst: We’re focused on doing more for campuses, not to them. In January, a curriculum framework was provided for STAAR courses and their respective lead-in courses. This framework breaks down the content into units that highlight the most important concepts and learning goals for each part of the course, along with a planning guide that suggests pacing and helps teachers stay on track throughout the year. This gives teachers clarity on what to teach, while still giving them the freedom to decide how to teach in a way that works for their students. The curriculum is continually refined to stay aligned with state standards and to keep lessons rigorous, engaging and relevant.
But the curriculum is just one part. Teaching and Learning includes a team of specialists who support instructional coaches and teachers throughout the year. They help write curriculum, plan lessons, model instruction in classrooms, co-teach when needed, and provide targeted professional development. Their job is to make sure teachers never feel like they’re doing it all on their own.
When curriculum, coaching, and training all work together, teachers can focus on what matters most: helping students learn and grow. That’s the everyday mission of the Teaching and Learning team.
Q: How have your past roles shaped how you lead?
Hayhurst: My time as a teacher and principal keeps me grounded in what really matters. It reminds me that the best solutions come from listening and making sure our work at the district level is guided by the voices and needs of our campuses. That’s how real progress happens – together.
Q: What does “academic success” mean to you?
Hayhurst: As a high school teacher and assistant principal, I was focused on graduation. But students’ lives don’t stop there. That’s where College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) comes in. It challenges us to think beyond high school.
What I have learned is academic success isn’t just one outcome. It means students should leave us with real opportunities, a clear sense of direction, and the tools to get where they want to go. Not every student follows the same path, and success doesn’t look the same for everyone. It’s no longer just high school to college. It’s about preparing them for life and empowering them to build their own future.