Teamir Melaku graduated from the UMSL College of Education in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Melaku’s academic performance afforded her the opportunity to continue her education in a master’s program. In May, she graduated from UMSL again, this time with a MEd in interdisciplinary studies. (Photo courtesy of Teamir Melaku)
Teamir Melaku’s journey to graduating from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree in education was nothing short of extraordinary.
“When I look back at my journey, I do not just see a student earning a degree. I see a mother of six children, a wife and a woman who refused to give up, no matter how difficult life became,” Melaku said. “My story is not only about education. It is about faith, sacrifice and the belief that anything is possible with determination.”
This May, Melaku closed the latest chapter in that journey and added to her legacy of perseverance when she graduated from the College of Education with an MEd in interdisciplinary studies.
“There were many challenges, but I always wanted to show my children that if we work hard, we can succeed,” she said.
A native of Ethiopia, Melaku immigrated to the United States at the age of 20 to pursue a better future for herself. She joined her uncle in Chicago in 2006, and during those first years in a new country, she juggled learning English at a community college, raising her children and working as a credit card processor.
After a career change, Melaku continued to balance work and family in Chicago while her husband completed his computer science degree in Seattle. After crisscrossing the country, the family finally settled in St. Louis.
Then it was Melaku’s turn to go to school. Despite the challenges of juggling family responsibilities and dealing with occasional language barriers, she excelled in the classroom and graduated from the College of Education in 2024 with a 3.7 GPA. Her academic performance afforded her the opportunity to continue her education in a master’s program.
Her husband, Kidanu Belay, encouraged Melaku to pursue it.
“I also encouraged him to go back to school, but he told me, ‘Your master’s is my master’s. You are important for our family. I will do mine one day – you come first,’” Melaku said. “That meant everything to me. He works very hard, takes care of our family and carries many of the responsibilities that were also mine so I could focus on my education.”
During the first year of her graduate studies, Melaku worked as a teacher at the Ladue Early Childhood Center. That was demanding enough, but then Melaku became pregnant with her sixth child. Throughout her pregnancy, she struggled with severe morning sickness, but she made the decision to continue her studies at UMSL.
The words of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, which Melaku witnessed shortly after arriving in the U.S., rang in her head: “Yes we can.” Melaku also wanted to be strong role model for her children and stress the importance of education even during difficult circumstances. She teaches her children that education helps people solve problems, communicate effectively and think critically, and it can also improve quality of life. It’s transformative, not only for individuals but also for families and communities.
“I try to teach my children not only with words but with actions,” she said. “I show them that life includes both success and failure, and I guide them on how to handle both. Children need our time, our connection and our support. The home is the first school, and parents are the first teachers.”
Melaku brought that philosophy to her classroom at the Ladue Early Childhood Center. For her, teaching is not just about delivering lesson plans. It’s about shaping lives. She strives to nurture academic skills alongside life skills such as confidence, perseverance, respect and responsibility.
“I believe one teacher can change a child’s life forever,” Melaku said. “That is the kind of teacher I want to be. I want my students to feel supported, valued and inspired every day. Just as my teachers and mentors shaped me, I want to guide my students to become strong, confident and successful individuals.”
She has also worked to support members of the Ethiopian community in St. Louis. A woman approached her while shopping one day because she knew Melaku was an educator and needed help. She had a son with special needs, and his school district had been communicating with her about him. However, she didn’t understand. Melaku obliged and spoke with the school administrators, resolving the issue with a phone call.
Melaku also advocated for members of her community by working with leaders in the Ladue School District to recognize important religious days on the school calendar. Many students from her Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church were able to attend Good Friday services, and schools made accommodations so students were able to observe fasting traditions.
“I felt very proud and happy to support families in this way,” Melaku said. “Many parents hugged me and thanked me for speaking up for them. That moment meant a lot to me. It showed me that teachers are not only educators in the classroom – we are also leaders and advocates in our communities.”
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has been a source of strength throughout Melaku’s educational journey, including mentors Kesis Dejene, Yeworkwuha Kelemew and Mahibere Kidusan. Her family, including her husband, six children and mother, Workit Taye, has been another pillar that’s made it possible for her to graduate from UMSL with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Melaku will look to return to the classroom soon. Reflecting on her journey, she knows it’s where she truly belongs.
“These experiences reminded me that teaching is not just a profession – it is a calling,” she said. “Whether in my classroom or at home, I feel honored to guide children and be part of their learning journey.”
