Meagan Messuri
Fishers,IN
Summary
Montessori educator and school leader with 15 years of experience in education and a unique understanding of school leadership from both the classroom and administrative perspective. As a founding team member of The Nature School of Central Indiana, helped write the original charter, develop the curriculum and instructional vision and build the systems that supported the school's launch and growth. Has served in multiple leadership roles including Head of Instruction, Assistant Head of School and Interim Head of School with experience spanning academics, curriculum, assessment, staff development, operations, compliance and school-wide leadership. Currently serving as Interim Head of School and bringing a deep commitment to Montessori education, nature-based learning and the continued growth of TNS.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Head of School
The Nature School of Central Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
08.2026 - Current
- Lead a PreK–8 public charter school serving 195 learners and 40 staff members through an abrupt leadership transition while maintaining continuity of instruction and daily operations
- Provide direct staff leadership and oversee staffing, onboarding, professional development, performance and day-to-day school operations
- Partner with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to establish priorities, prepare for Board meetings and ensure mission-critical work moves forward
- Oversee required State of Indiana and Trine University reporting, grant requirements, payroll and other critical administrative processes
- Navigate an unusually challenging start to the school year including severe weather, extended power loss, flooding, cybersecurity concerns and facility issues while maintaining communication, safety and continuity of learning
Assistant Head of School
The Nature School of Central Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
07.2024 - 08.2026
- Led curriculum, instructional coaching and academic programming across K–8 while supporting the continued development of TNS's Montessori and nature-based educational model
- Developed systems for tracking learner growth and strengthening the connection between Montessori practice, Indiana Academic Standards and school-wide academic goals
- Coordinated testing schedules while supporting teachers in preparing learners for state assessments within a Montessori environment
- Managed daily school logistics including scheduling, staffing coverage, communication and operational problem-solving while protecting the routines and learning environments essential to Montessori practice
- Supported staff development and professional learning focused on learner-centered instruction, school culture and TNS's mission
- Partnered with teachers and school leadership to strengthen systems while maintaining the relationships, independence and connection to nature that define the TNS experience
- Assisted with annual school budgeting and personnel budget planning, helping align staffing and resources with school priorities
Head of Instruction
The Nature School of Central Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Led school-wide instructional priorities across K–8 while strengthening alignment between Montessori practice, nature-based learning and Indiana Academic Standards
- Developed curriculum pacing and assessment systems that supported learner progression while honoring Montessori scope and sequence
- Used academic data, assessment results and classroom observations to identify instructional priorities and support learner growth
- Coached educators through observation, feedback and professional learning focused on Montessori practice and instructional quality
- Developed and facilitated professional learning that connected TNS's mission with classroom practiceLed school-wide instructional priorities across K–8 while strengthening alignment between Montessori practice, nature-based learning and Indiana Academic Standards
- Developed curriculum pacing and assessment systems that supported learner progression while honoring Montessori scope and sequence
- Coached educators through classroom observation, feedback and professional learning focused on Montessori practice, instructional quality and learner growth
- Led assessment planning and supported the use of academic data to inform instruction while maintaining a whole-child approach to learner development
- Developed and facilitated professional learning that connected TNS's mission with classroom practice
- Collaborated with educators to strengthen instructional consistency while preserving the independence, choice and individualized learning central to Montessori education
Interim Head of School
The Nature School of Central Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Provided school-wide leadership and day-to-day oversight during a period of organizational transition, including staffing, scheduling, operations and daily decision-making
- Supervised approximately 25 staff members and supported hiring, onboarding, training, policy implementation and staff development
- Assisted with annual school and personnel budgeting while supporting financial and staffing decisions
- Coordinated state testing, compliance requirements and required school reporting
- Served as a primary point of communication for staff, families and the Board while facilitating staff meetings and communicating organizational priorities
Upper Elementary Teacher/Headmistress
The Nature School of Central Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Collaborated with leaders to support and establish programs, lessons and whole school activities.
- Maintained close relationships with teaching staff, offered support, guidance and anticipated needs
- Resolved various situations between learners using conflict resolution strategies
- Recruited, hired and helped the leadership team onboard/train new staff
- Developed positive relationships with learners, teachers parents and local community.
- Provided secure testing environments, teacher training, schedules and guidance for state assessments
- Oversaw class field trips to keep students safe
- Coordinated, purchased, and maintained organization on new materials for all classes across the school
Lead Teacher, Lower Elementary
Geist Montessori Academy
Indianapolis, IN
07.2015 - 06.2021
- Used Montessori philosophy, curriculum and techniques to develop child's full potential and treated each child with dignity and respect.
- Provided engaging, hands-on lessons, appropriate for the development and readiness of the child.
- Established powerful and inspiring classroom culture where children had high self-expectations with strong self-motivation and self-direction.
- Fostered positive relationships with parents and communicated children's progress via conferences and newsletters.
- Coordinated and directed extracurricular dramatic performances involving up to 40 children.
Lead Teacher, Upper Elementary
Community Montessori
New Albany, IN
07.2012 - 06.2015
- Developed lesson plans, independent learning exercises, curricula and methods that catered to needs of individual child and facilitated student-led discussions.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Encouraged students to resolve conflict independently with modeling and support
- Engaged with ongoing professional development, participated in professional organizations and identified new ideas and materials to use in classroom or share with other staff members.
- Directed three main-stage theatrical productions that helped start a theatre program
- Initiated the "Breaking Bread" project to share meals outside of school with families
Education
Associate Level -
Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Certification
07.2019
Elementary I-II Montessori Teaching Credential -
Montessori Training Education Center
Sunnyvale, CA08.2014
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University
Bloomington, iN05.2012
Skills
- School Leadership & Administration
- Montessori Education
- Nature-Based Education
- Instructional Leadership
- Curriculum & Assessment
- Academic Achievement & Learner Growth
- Staff Supervision & Development
- Human Resources
- Budget & Personnel Planning
- School Operations
- Strategic Planning
- Board & Authorizer Relations
- State Reporting & Compliance
- Public Charter School Leadership
- Family & Community Engagement
- Crisis & Emergency Leadership
Timeline
Interim Head of School
The Nature School of Central Indiana
08.2026 - Current
Assistant Head of School
The Nature School of Central Indiana
07.2024 - 08.2026
Head of Instruction
The Nature School of Central Indiana
07.2023 - 06.2024
Interim Head of School
The Nature School of Central Indiana
10.2022 - 03.2023
Upper Elementary Teacher/Headmistress
The Nature School of Central Indiana
08.2021 - 10.2022
Lead Teacher, Lower Elementary
Geist Montessori Academy
07.2015 - 06.2021
Lead Teacher, Upper Elementary
Community Montessori
07.2012 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University
Elementary I-II Montessori Teaching Credential -
Montessori Training Education Center
Associate Level -
Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Certification