About

About the Author

Melissa Butts is an educator, researcher, consultant, and school improvement leader with a heart for people and a passion for purpose-driven leadership.

With over 20 years in education and more than 14 years in leadership, Melissa has served in a wide range of roles—from Lead Science Teacher to AIG Facilitator, MTSS Coordinator, Educational Consultant, School Improvement Coach, and Assistant Principal. Her work has touched classrooms, schools, and districts, always with the goal of building reflective, resilient leadership that transforms culture—not just compliance.

Melissa believes real school change begins with the adults in the building. Her coaching, writing, and speaking center around reflective leadership, sustainable systems, and empowering the people who make schools work—including the often-unsung heroes: instructional assistants, office staff, and custodians.

Known for her calm presence and clear insight, Melissa is trusted by teachers, leaders, and school teams alike. She’s committed to helping schools move from reactive to responsive, and from top-down mandates to collaborative momentum.

She’s the author of The Reflective Leader: A Fresh Approach to School Leadership That Inspires Change—the first in a three-part series helping educational leaders reflect, reframe, and rebuild their school communities with purpose.

When she’s not coaching leaders or facilitating school improvement work, Melissa is at home with her husband of 18 years and their three beautiful children, who keep her grounded and inspired. A lifelong learner, she’s always researching new ways to lead with clarity, teach with integrity, and grow stronger schools from the inside out.