Welcome! I am Melinda Cochran, a 7th and 8th- grade Language Arts teacher here at PJH. I have enjoyed teaching for many years, many of those here in District 126. Upon earning a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, I have been continually furthering my own education. To date, I have earned both a Masters of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education and my certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist. I try to instill this love of learning in my students and it is my goal to encourage a climate of inquiry and desire to never stop learning.

I also truly enjoy engaging with our students outside the classroom and currently sponsor Broadcasting Club and Running Club as well as, coaching Girls Track. It has long been my philosophy that students who are involved in extracurricular experiences throughout their school experiences perform better and are more emotionally satisfied. I also think that this is true of teachers.