Melisa Rutkelis is a school and district leader and arts teacher with 12 years of experience devoted to arts education and 6 years of distributive leadership experiences that included building diverse teams of all stakeholders; expanding arts access and equity for students at the school and district; prioritizing multi-tiered systems of support embedded in a culturally relevant curriculum in all learning opportunities; wide range of well-developed diverse community connections that support post-secondary success with access to grants, partnerships, and community learning opportunities; experience working with the Mayor’s Office, Illinois Music Educators Association, and other various arts organizations; former Garfield Ridge Teacher of the year, cultural and community school partner, innovative connective leader to create conditions to support student interest.  

Previously she was AP at Hawthorne Scholastic Academy and Resident Principal at Von Steuben Science Center and Manager of Student Programs for The Department of Arts Education in Chicago Public Schools. She managed the Advanced Arts Program, All-City Visual and Performing Arts Programs, Arts Student Voice Committee, and District-Wide Music Festivals. She taught for 8 years and spent 5 of those years teaching: general music, modern band, mariachi, concert band, and choir at Twain Elementary in CPS. During that time she secured over $55,000 in grants, was teacher of the year, and led the All-City Elementary and High School Bands. Melisa has presented at The Illinois Music Educator Conference, VanderCook College of Music, Northern Illinois University, NAfME National Conference,  Modern Rock Band Fest, and for the New York Public Schools. She is currently enrolled in the Urban Education Leadership EdD program a UIC. She is an oboist and loves attending concerts across the city.