Melissa Bollow Tempel

About the Author

Melissa Bollow Tempel is an award-winning educator, writer, and advocate for equitable public education, with over two decades of experience teaching in diverse urban classrooms. Her work critically examines the flaws in high-stakes testing and accountability measures, championing student-centered approaches that prioritize creativity, equity, and holistic learning. Drawing from her firsthand insights as a classroom teacher, Tempel has contributed to national conversations on education reform through essays, op-eds, and her influential book, Pencils Down: Rethinking High Stakes Testing and Accountability in Public Schools. A passionate voice for marginalized students, she continues to inspire educators and policymakers to reimagine assessment practices that truly serve all learners, fostering environments where every child can thrive.