Mrs. Melanie Rucker Professional Career:
- I have completed 25 years in public education.
- Teacher, principal, special education director, federal programs director, early childhood services director.
- Highest degree earned: Education Specialist in Superintendency.
- Worked in six districts ranging in size of 100 – 1,800 students.
- Cainsville, Gallatin, South Harrison, Pattonsburg, Tarkio, Chillicothe
- Selected as MARE Outstanding Rural Building Administrator.
- Selected as Northwest District Elementary Principal of the Year.
Personal, Hobbies, In My Spare Time, Unique Facts:
- Believer, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, learner, friend, dedicated to children’s wellbeing.
- Born and grew up in Bethany, MO to a stay-at-home Mom (now retired educator) & public school administrator and farmer Dad.
- Went to school half-day of my senior year because I disliked school so much.
- Passionate for school/district wide effective climate and culture progress.
- Softball (mom & wife), basketball (wife), love to read, learn and grow my professional network.
- Livingston County New Horizons (SB 40 and case management) Board VP.
What I Love About School / The Profession of Education:
- I love watching those around me succeed at personally high levels; children and adults.
- Making a positive difference in the lives I touch.
- To see the excitement on children’s faces when they enter the building each day due to high engagement and incredibly positive relationships.
Favorite Quotes:
- “It’s not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.” — Mother Teresa
- “If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” — Maya Angelou
Favorite or Most Impactful Teacher Growing Up:
Mr. Larry Hunt, my High School Art teacher, was most impactful. Art was a challenge for me and I did not have the coping skills to tackle difficult school work. He encouraged me, believed in me, and forced me to believe in myself by his actions and words.