Melanie Thiel has dedicated 25 years to K-12 public education, all within the Madison Metropolitan School District.  She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering student success. She began her career as a high school business and marketing teacher at West High School, where she spent 10 years inspiring students to develop practical skills and become global citizens. She continued at West High School in a leadership role, serving as an assistant principal for 12 years, where she played a pivotal role in shaping a supportive and inclusive school culture.

Currently, Melanie serves as the principal of Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School. Her educational philosophy is firmly rooted in a student-centered approach, guided by the belief that educating the next generation is the most important job in society. She embraces restorative justice practices in addressing student behavior, aiming to build accountability and growth rather than punishment. Melanie holds students to high expectations, coupling this with individual support to help them reach their full potential.

A champion for equity, Melanie is particularly passionate about ensuring that traditionally marginalized students and their families have access to opportunities for growth. She believes strongly that it takes a village to educate a child and works tirelessly to create a culture of collaboration within the school and the broader Gillespie community. Melanie engages parents, staff, and community stakeholders as partners in supporting student achievement and well-being where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

In addition to her work in education, Melanie serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club, where she contributes to providing critical support and resources for youth. She is also a certified yoga teacher, integrating yogic philosophies of balance, mindfulness, and connection into her personal and professional life.