Coming Home to Lead | Melissa Martin | Conversations with Lowell Milken
September 23, 2026
What happens when students return to lead the schools that shaped them?
Melissa Martin joins Lowell Milken to share her journey from student to teacher, coach and principal in Chinle, Arizona, in the Navajo Nation. Through their conversation and stories from colleagues and former students, this episode explores belonging, mentorship and the power of a community growing its own educators.
Melissa describes the encouragement that led her into teaching, the former students now teaching alongside her, and her commitment to helping young people pursue their ambitions while remaining connected to their identity and community.
The film also highlights Chinle’s partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). Melissa and her colleagues explain how coaching, collaboration, clear instructional standards and ongoing professional learning helped strengthen teaching and support school improvement.
From the impact of receiving a Milken Educator Award to her return to Chinle Elementary School as principal, Melissa’s story shows how investing in one educator can reach across generations.
Help these ideas reach the people shaping your community’s future. Share this conversation with a teacher, school leader or someone considering a career in education. Subscribe to the Lowell Milken Universe YouTube channel and help build a community that celebrates possibility—and the people making it real.
