Kody Melancon, previously with the Diverse Leaders team, is now an Associate Partner on the Innovative Schools investment team. Raised in rural Louisiana, his experience in public schools ignited his passion for providing children a culturally-relevant, first-rate education. He has spent much of his career learning, training, and working to create systemic change and improve outcomes for students and families of color.
Before joining NewSchools, Kody was the director of the Pathways Fellowship at ExpandED Schools in New York City, a program focused on diversifying the teacher workforce. There, he successfully doubled the number of fellows by increasing program supports and engineering creative solutions that reduced the barriers for afterschool workers to move into teaching positions. As a lead teacher at Success Academy Charter Schools, Kody played a pivotal role in helping elementary and middle school students reach ambitious learning goals and outperform their peers in the city. He also has worked as an early childhood program evaluator and a data analyst for the NYC Department of Education.
Kody’s academic credentials include a B.A. in Sociology from Morehouse College, an M.A. in Education Policy and Social Analysis from Teachers College at Columbia University, an M.S. in Childhood Education and Special Education from Touro College, and a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. Outside of work, Kody enjoys exploring performing and visual arts, tracing his family history, and participating in adventurous fitness activities.