Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

MELISSA RISSETTO

Surprise,AZ

Summary

Dynamic academic leader with a robust background in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and academic administration. Proven success in driving educational excellence while fostering collaborative team environments. Recognized for adaptive leadership and strategic planning, consistently delivering results that enhance academic performance and promote student success. Expertise includes mentoring faculty, managing academic programs, and implementing innovative educational initiatives that inspire growth and engagement.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Academics/ Dean of Students

Riverbend Prep
08.2022 - Current
  • Led curriculum planning and teacher coaching, improving instruction and student outcomes.
  • Managed student behavior systems, reducing incidents and improving school climate.
  • Coordinated assessments and used data to drive academic decisions.
  • Oversaw parent communications, newsletters, and outreach to boost engagement.
  • Planned and executed all school events, fostering community and school spirit.
  • Managed website and social media to maintain strong school branding and communication.
  • Served as Interim Principal, ensuring smooth operations during leadership transitions.

Community Liaison

Riverbend Prep
08.2021 - 08.2022
  • Served as a liaison between different departments internally ensuring maximum efficiency in addressing community needs.
  • Coordinated volunteer recruitment efforts to support various programs within the organization.
  • Strengthened community partnerships by organizing and attending collaborative events.
  • Communicated with community members to assess concerns or current issues and identify corrective measures.

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Riverbend Prep
08.2020 - 07.2021
  • Developed and implemented standards-aligned, developmentally appropriate instruction.
  • Established a positive, inclusive classroom environment promoting academic and social growth.
  • Utilized data-driven strategies to assess progress and differentiate instruction.
  • Provided mentorship to assistant teachers and collaborated with instructional teams.
  • Coordinated classroom events to support student engagement and family involvement.
  • Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.

Second Grade Teacher

Crown Charter School
07.2019 - 07.2020
  • Designed and delivered standards-based instruction across core subjects, fostering literacy and critical thinking.
  • Created a structured, student-centered classroom environment that supported academic and social-emotional growth.
  • Differentiated lessons to meet diverse learning needs and implemented accommodations for IEP/504 plans.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Curriculum And Instruction

Lasell University
01.2020

Skills

  • Academic Program Oversight
  • Teacher Coaching & Mentorship
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Interim Principal Experience
  • Staff Supervision & Evaluation
  • Professional Development Facilitation
  • Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Project & Event Coordination
  • Data Analysis & Performance Improvement
  • Collaborative leadership

Accomplishments

  • Improved school’s state performance rating from a D to a B within two academic years through targeted academic initiatives and data-driven strategies.
  • Developed and implemented a marketing campaign that raised new student enrollment
  • Delivered curriculum training opportunities to academic staff, resulting in a collectively higher-grade point average for the entire school.
  • Overhauled ineffective processes and designed behavior modification plan, which successfully reduced suspension and detentions by 30%
  • Won “Educator of the Year” award at Riverbend Prep in 2021.

Certification

  • Dyslexia Certification Training -2021
  • First Aid and CPR Certified- Present

Timeline

Director of Academics/ Dean of Students

Riverbend Prep
08.2022 - Current

Community Liaison

Riverbend Prep
08.2021 - 08.2022

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Riverbend Prep
08.2020 - 07.2021

Second Grade Teacher

Crown Charter School
07.2019 - 07.2020

Bachelor of Science - Curriculum And Instruction

Lasell University