Meet Our Lower School Director

Melanie Slezak
Interim Lower School Director

B.S., University of Delaware
M.Ed., University of Delaware

I call my students "my kids" because they are not just names on a class list, they are part of my heart.   

Melanie Slezak

Melanie Slezak brings over three decades of experience and unwavering passion for education to her role as the Interim Director of Lower School Director. She considers her 36 years at Agnes Irwin a "calling," in which she has found immense joy and pride in both her students and the school. Melanie believes in the importance of truly knowing her students by building trusting relationships in both her classroom and with families. Melanie feels the same importance of creating and nurturing caring and respectful relationships with her colleagues. Melanie is an integral part of the community, known school-wide for her warmth, compassion and expertise.

Throughout her tenure, Melanie's contributions have extended well beyond the classroom. Melanie thinks of herself as a life-long learner and has enhanced her teaching practice with annual Professional Development. Melanie has twice attended the TCRWP at Columbia University, engaged as an iFellow in our three year Legacy through Leadership program, and played a prominent role in the development of the Living Leadership in the Lower School program, which included work to develop the Leadership Toolkit. Melanie has served as a faculty representative to the Board of Trustees and has served on countless educational committees both inside and out of school. Leading into her new role, Melanie held the position of Lower School Dean for two years, acting as an advocate and trusted liaison between teachers, students, and the Director. 

Early in her career, Melanie was a Child Life Specialist at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Children's Center in Baltimore, MD and Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, DE. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and Master of Education Degree, both from the University of Delaware.  

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Melanie is the proud mother of one son and one daughter, who is a member of the AIS Class of 2011. She is an animal lover, avid gardener, enjoys long walks, reading, and finds reasons for gratitude every day.