Meet the Principal  

Melissa Zaniewski is a long-time educator at Butler Junior High known as a master teacher who has the unique ability to reach and motivate students and staff alike. She joined Butler in 2004 as a language arts teacher and since then has transformed curriculum and instruction in the Language Arts Department. In addition to teaching, she has led professional development programs, developed learning objective frameworks, helped create the District’s new state-required teacher evaluation process, and served as the intervention coordinator. Her expertise, ability to engage students, empowerment of others and high standards have enhanced student achievement in the District. She was appointed Assistant Principal in July 2019.
 
Ms. Zaniewski has a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Organization and Leadership, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in the Learning Design and Leadership program of studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
 
“I am both humbled and honored to serve the students, families and staff at Butler Junior High School, she said. “I look forward to continuing to serve our exceptional students, their families, and the community.”