Her Story
About Melanie
Melanie Lopez is an accomplished K–12 educator and special education professional with more than two decades of experience in Chicago Public Schools. She currently serves as a Special Education Teacher in the Cluster program at Foreman College & Career Academy, supporting students with mild to moderate special needs, including students with autism and Down syndrome. Since beginning her CPS career in 2004, she has served in numerous educational and leadership capacities, including English teacher, interventionist, tutor, team lead, wellness specialist, dean of in-school intervention and restorative justice, summer school educator, credit recovery coordinator, and student mentor. Her experience also includes curriculum mapping, lesson planning, student development, ACT/SAT preparation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Lopez has pursued extensive academic and professional development throughout her career. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and three master's degrees in Adult Education, Education Administration, and Literacy/Reading Specialist studies. She has also pursued advanced preparation in special education and holds endorsements in English, Special Education LBSI, and ESL, with a bilingual endorsement pending examination. Her commitment to continuous development is reflected in her work as a Culture and Climate Lead, Student Voice Lead, Cluster Lead Teacher, AVID-trained educator, and Restorative Justice-trained professional. She has also worked part-time as an ABA therapist and continues to explore opportunities in curriculum development, implementation, administration, and online education.
Beyond the classroom, Lopez is committed to strengthening students, families, and the broader educational community. She has served as a DonorsChoose ambassador, board member of Friends of Foreman, and parent advisory member for Kids First Chicago, in addition to volunteering through the Ebenezer Christian Center. Her professional philosophy emphasizes preparation, adaptability, continuous learning, and understanding the realities of the educational environment beyond formal credentials. For educators entering the field, she advocates pursuing relevant education and skill development while gaining practical experience, using workshops and training to build expertise and create meaningful opportunities for professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melanie
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering education to recognize that it is an honorable and meaningful profession while also taking the time to identify the specific area in which they are most passionate. I would recommend understanding both the educational requirements and the practical skill sets needed for the pathway they want to pursue. Not everyone begins with the perfect combination of experience and skills, so I believe workshops, professional development, and targeted training can provide valuable opportunities to build confidence and gain an advantage.
I also believe that college education can be extremely valuable, and my own educational experience has benefited both my career and professional development. At the same time, I would encourage the next generation to understand that education can only prepare you to a certain point; many aspects of a profession become clearer once you are actually working in the environment. Gaining practical experience and remaining open to learning are therefore just as important as formal education.
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