Melissa Needham brings passion and industry expertise to the classroom, drawing from her dynamic career in fashion. As a Buyer and Production Manager, she developed a fedora hat worn by Catherine, Duchess of Wales, on Vogue’s iconic 100th Centenary cover—just one of many highlights from her time in the industry.

Passionate about the ever-evolving nature of economics, Melissa thrives in the stimulating environment of a sixth form college, where she inspires students to engage with current affairs and understand the economic forces shaping our world.

What or who inspired you to go into teaching?

I always knew I’d eventually go into teaching. I enjoyed school and especially loved college and university. College and university provided enough freedom for me to explore who I wanted to be and study. I met amazing people and have very fond memories. I had a very exciting young person career before teaching, lots of travelling and observing remarkable people within an industry I adored. A change of circumstances led me to teaching. It’s the hardest I have ever worked but it sincerely brings the most joy.

Why have you chosen to work in a sixth form college?

The age range and the specialist area of teaching. I enjoy working in an environment whereby I am challenged, and I find the conversations and topic area stimulating. In a sixth form classroom, and especially in economics, we can discuss current affairs and debate real-life topics. All the decisions that we make or are made for us are economical.

What’s your favourite topic in your subject’s curriculum to teach?

I most enjoy teaching Macro, especially when we get into the nit and gritting of fiscal and monetary policy. Macro is extremely dynamic, and as teacher we can discuss and contextualise topics with something new that is happening across the globe. I regularly use something I have heard on the radio driving to college as a conversation in the classroom, I think it bring the subject alive and adds meaning.

What achievement are you most proud of (personal or professional)?

Before teaching I worked in the fashion industry as a Buyer and Production Manager for large multinational companies. At one company I developed and bought a fedora hat that was worn by Catherine the Duchess of Wales on the front cover of British Vogue’s 100th Centenary. I also co-developed the world first fully post-consumer shoe with Converse Nike, it was made from post-consumer waste (jeans), this project went on to us developing more shoes with Converse, and a lot of trip to India and the US.

When you were younger, what teacher inspired you the most? How did they?

I had a fantastic MA course lead teacher called Yvonne Trew. She was amazing, always wore black and had big glasses. She listened and offered advice when needed. She was balanced and empathic and I have a huge amount of respect for her.

What words of wisdom would you give your 16-year-old self?

People come and go into your life throughout your twenties and thirties as your life and priorities change. Those friends that stay in touch are the ones that will never judge you for not replying, and you’ll just pick up from where you left it.