Meet Our Real Estate Instructors
For more than two decades, VanEd has been a trusted leader in real estate education, helping thousands of students nationwide launch, grow, and advance successful careers in real estate. Our commitment to quality instruction, integrity, and practical application has made VanEd one of the most respected names in online real estate training.
Our VanEd instructors are licensed real estate professionals and active top producers who bring real-world experience directly into the classroom. They translate complex real estate concepts, laws, and best practices into engaging, easy-to-understand lessons that prepare students to pass their licensing exams and thrive in the industry.
Below, you’ll meet some of these expert instructors—dedicated educators who combine hands-on market experience with a passion for teaching. Through VanEd’s accredited courses, they empower aspiring and active agents with the tools, insight, and confidence needed to succeed in every stage of their real estate careers.
Melissa Smith
Melissa Smith is an active, top-producing real estate broker licensed in Colorado, Louisiana, and Nebraska with 20+ years of experience in residential and investment properties.
As co-owner of a mortgage company, she brings firsthand expertise in closings and settlements by making complex transaction math clear for new agents.
A Certified Distance Education Instructor, Melissa has taught pre-license and CE courses for 7 years with VanEd Real Estate School.
Melissa continues to help the next generation of real estate professionals and is passionate about helping students earn their license to build meaningful careers.
Bob Haywood
Bob Haywood has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2007.
He was Rookie of the Year at his brokerage and rose to a top-producing agent, closing approximately $14 million in annual sales.
Bob earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation, led a high-performing team, and continues to sell real estate today.
Since 2020, he has taught practical, high-engagement real estate courses with VanEd, bringing current market experience and clear, actionable instruction to every class.
