Melinda Kaufman

Director of Academic Affairs

At McGillis since 2016

 

Contact Melinda Kaufman: mkaufman@mcgillisschool.org

 

Education:
B.A., Sociology, University of California Irvine
M.B.A., University of Texas, Austin
Post-baccalaureate elementary education at Western Governors University

 

Bio:
I moved to Silicon Valley after business school and worked in corporate Human Resources for 10 years before my husband and I decided to move our family to Park City for a change in lifestyle. I pursued my teaching degree and taught 4th grade for 5 years before making the jump to Administration. Now entering my 5th year as an Administrator, I enjoy the opportunity to have a broader impact on students and teachers. I appreciate spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, gardening, crafting, cooking, and hiking.

 

Favorite McGillis lunch:

Chicken tenders & lemony potatoes

 

I am learning to:

Play a Chopin Etude on the piano

 

I am currently reading:

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

 

Favorite McGillis tradition:

Fall Leaf Haul

 

Which value do you most appreciate?

Derech Eretz because I want all students/families/staff to feel they belong and know that they matter.

 

What is a powerful moment you experienced at school?

I'd taken the GED, was ready to drop out of high school, and had what I thought was a good plan.  A school employee, with no formal role in my life, made the time to reach out to me, to understand why I was unhappy, and to consider what he could do to help. Mr. Finch believed in me and changed the course of my life in an incredibly positive way.

 

The defining moment that led to your career in education:

Realizing I could pursue a second career in a very different field, discovering my passion for teaching, and finding the joy in connecting with individual students and seeing their growth.