hello!

My name is Melanie Muskin. I’m an educator, scholar, and advocate for joyful and sustainable teaching. I’m currently a doctoral candidate in Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University, where my work explores how educational systems can better support the well-being and professional growth of teachers and school leaders.

Before entering academia, I worked as a teacher and school leader in early childhood and elementary settings in New York City. Across both research and practice, my goal is to strengthen the connection between what we know about human development and how we nurture it in classrooms. Whether I’m teaching, mentoring, or conducting research, I’m committed to creating learning environments where educators and children alike can thrive.