Melissa Wills is a Literacy Consultant with Schoolwide, Inc. Melissa initially began teaching in Illinois elementary schools, where she spent many years. She then moved into the role of Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach in the Naperville and Hinsdale School Districts, with additional roles as RtI/Title I Coordinator. Melissa then became the Director of Teaching and Learning in Butler School District 53 in Oak Brook, IL. Given all of her teaching experience and leadership positions, Melissa has a wide range of knowledge of topics and experiences, including, but not limited to, Reading and Writing Workshop, MTSS, Response to Intervention, intervention programming, literacy assessment, and staff and curriculum development. She has led various district professional development institutes and PLC sessions, as well as presented at several educational events, such as the annual Illinois Literacy Conference and DuPage Showcase for Differentiation and RtI.
Melissa holds a BA in Elementary Education from the University of St. Francis, a MS in Reading from Northern Illinois University, and a MS in Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University. Wanting to work with children and watch them grow as individuals is why Melissa decided to pursue teaching. Once she became a teacher, she discovered that she loved empowering students to become lifelong learners! The most rewarding experiences that Melissa has had as a classroom teacher are when former students get in touch with her and share the love of reading and writing they developed during the time they spent with her as their teacher. As a Literacy Consultant for Schoolwide, she truly enjoys when teachers reflect on their learning journey and see how much they (and their students) have grown over time in workshop. Melissa enjoys the opportunity to work with innovative, passionate, and committed people at Schoolwide and in the field of education. Away from the classroom, Melissa enjoys hunkering down with a good book and spending time with her family watching and attending baseball, hockey, and soccer games as well as swim meets.
