Melanie
Hackett, MSEd
Innovative Educational Leader
People-Centered Strategist
Tech Hobbyist
Author
Empowering transformation in education through innovative leadership and strategic foresight, I am dedicated to building people-first learning ecosystems and inspiring solutions that cultivate conditions for success. With a rich blend of technology acumen and a passion for fostering growth, I aim to drive meaningful change, enhance operational efficiency, and uplift communities through education.
Education
Purdue university global
EdD: Leadership & Innovation
Candidate
2026
Indiana university-sB
MSEd: Educational Leadership
MSEd: Special Education
2013 and 2019
Oakland university
BA: Political Science
Management Info Systems
2003
Experience
District Leadership Experience
Executive Director of Talent Development
South bend empowerment zone
2023 - Present
Director of Diverse Learners
South bend empowerment zone
2023
Learning & Technology Facilitator
South bend schoolS
2017 - 2019
School Leadership Experience
school TURNAROUND principal
South bend empowerment zone
2022 - 2023
assistant principal
South bend empowerment zone
2017 - 2022
Teaching Experience
higher education
Adjunct Faculty-School of Ed
indiana university south bend
2018- PRESENT
middle School (6th-8th)
General education teacher
Penn-Harris-Madison Schools
2014 - 2017
high school (9th-12th)
special education teacher
South Bend Community Schools S
2007- 2014
Leadership Character Strengths
Logical
using a logical approach, I excel in clarifying complex information and applying strategic, conceptual thinking to guide decision-making.
Responsible
My sense of responsibility and commitment to meeting goals and obligations ensures timely, accurate, and high-quality outcomes.
Organized
My organizational skills enable effective task prioritization and strategy development, enhancing efficiency and execution.
Executive Director of Talent Development Highlights
- Designed an Apprentice teacher program, a model that filled teaching vacancies with dedicated staff committed to two-year teaching roles. This model enhanced diversity among faculty, eliminated financial barriers to staff seeking a college degree, and positively impacted student academic outcomes.
- Pioneered the strategic use of Stay Interviews and wellness initiatives to Increase staff retention to 92%, up from 87-88%. By intentionally addressing staff mental health, we underpinned a culture where educators felt valued, uplifting the well-being of more than 400 staff members.
- Cultivated educator licensure pathways, skyrocketing engagement from 7 to over 70 educators engaged in professional programs, degree completion, and coursework for license addition within the first 90 days
- Designed teacher licensing Initiatives and support systems, offering personalized guidance and robust mentorship. This contributed to a notable 16% drop in staff turnover and established a pipeline of highly qualified staff.
School Turnaround principal Highlights
- Built momentum towards a successful turnaround of an underperforming middle school, resulting in a 7% increase in student reading on or above grade level within 1 year.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive school improvement plan, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to meet rigorous academic standards.
- Exercised data-driven decision-making to identify instructional gaps and implemented targeted interventions, resulting in a 13% reduction in students reading 2 or more grade levels below standard in 1 semester.
- Established a positive and inclusive school culture through implementing restorative practices, significantly reducing disciplinary incidents by 31% and improving student engagement within one year.
Licences & Proficiencies
State of Indiana Educator Licenses:
- Special Education-Mild Interventions
- Business Education
- Government & Citizenship
- Health
- Building Level Administrator
Creative Problem Solving
Strategic Planning
Desktop Publishing
Designing Efficient Systems
Curriculum Development
Graphic Design
Curriculum Development
Team Empowerment
AI Promoting & Design
Professional Services
Creative Consulting
Creative consulting with my company, Melange Hues Studio, LLC, to elevate your digital landscape through a comprehensive suite of technology and education solutions crafted to empower, educate, and inspire. My offerings include:
- Customized Technology Training
- AI Integration & Personalization
- Educational Technology Solutions
- Dynamic Presentation Crafting
- Innovative Course Development
- Curriculum Design & Strategy
- Professional Branding
- Strategic Social Networking
- So much more!
Creative Endeavors
Published Author
Check out my books available on Amazon!
From children’s books to Inspire wonder and curiosity,
To mindful books that empower you to reflect, relax, and be productive
Science from A to Z
Musical Marvels: Instruments A to Z
Holidays from A to Z
Paisley & Patience: Adult Mindfulness Coloring Book
Manifest Excellence: Vision Board Clipart Book
Zen Fauna: Mindfulness Coloring Book
The Principal’s Daily Planner
"Be a yardstick of quality, some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected"
-Steve Jobs