Dr. Turner brings twenty-eight years of experience in education to the role of Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. She received her undergraduate degree from Stonehill College, her Masters from Simmons College and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University. Prior to coming to Melrose, she served as a classroom teacher, special educator, department chair, assistant principal and principal. Dr. Turner is passionate about ensuring rigorous tier I instruction for all students supported by high quality curriculum and effective professional development.
The Office of Teaching and Learning supports all of the curriculum, instruction and professional development in the district.
Explore the Office of Teaching and Learning page to learn more.
Dr. Jennifer Turner
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
Ms. Melanie Acevedo
Director of Data, Assessment, & Instructional Technology
Department Page- DLCS/LMS
Melanie Acevedo has been a member of the Melrose staff since 2006. She has held numerous roles in her tenure, a 4th grade teacher at Lincoln School, a district-wide Elementary Digital Literacy Teacher, an Elementary Instructional Coach, and then joined the leadership team after completing her CAGS in Educational Leadership from Salem State University in 2020. Ms. Acevedo completed her BS in Psychology and MAT in Elementary Education from Simmons College. She is committed to supporting students and staff with stregthening the principles of Universal Design for Learning to ensure all students have access to high-quality, rigorous and engaging instruction.
Ms. Nora Tsoutsis
Director of Humanities, Grades 6-12
Department Pages- World Language, Social Studies & English
Nora Tsoutsis joined the Melrose Public School community in 2021 and leads the English, Social Studies, and World Language Departments as the Director of Humanities, 6-12. Ms. Tsoutsis completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Northeastern University and is a National Board Certified Teacher with over a decade and a half of classroom teaching experience. She has served as a Lead Teacher, English Program Director, and Assistant Head of School. Ms. Tsoutsis is committed to ensuring all students have access to rigorous coursework, a supportive learning environment, and rich learning experiences in and out of the classroom.
Ms. Ellen Noto
Director of STEM, Grades 6-12
Department Pages- Math & Science
Ellie Noto was thrilled to join the Melrose Public Schools in August of 2024 as STEM Director for grades 6-12. Ms. Noto holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University, a Masters in Education with a focus on Teaching Science from Harvard University, and a Masters degree in Education Leadership. With over 15 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership both in Massachusetts and a large urban school in Nevada, she is passionate about promoting STEM education and empowering the next generation of learners. Committed to fostering a love for science, math and technology, Ms. Noto has dedicated her career to enhancing curriculum and providing opportunities for students to engage in STEM in and out of the classroom.
Mr. Stephen Black
Director of Visual & Performing Arts
Department Page- V & PA
Steve is actively involved in the area as a director, arts and school administrator. As an educator, Steve has taught as a member of the musical theater faculty at the University of New Hampshire and Stonehill College, worked for the Saugus, Salem, and Melrose Public Schools, and served as a teaching artist for the New York Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, Stoneham Theater, and Paper Mill Playhouse of NJ. He has received several grants and awards for his work in writing arts education grants to develop artist-in-residence programming. Steve holds a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of New Hampshire and a Master’s degree in Theatre from New York University.
Mr. Stephen Fogarty
Director of Wellness & Athletics
Department Pages- Wellness & Melrose Athletics
Mr. Stephen Fogarty is a Melrose High School graduate, Class of 1989. He began as a substitute teacher in the spring on 1997. Mr. Fogarty was hired in August of the same year to be a science teacher, where he stayed in that roll for 4 years before joining the Wellness Department. In 2012 Mr. Fogarty became an Assistant Principal of MHS a position he served for 4 years. In 2016 Mr. Fogarty was appointed Director of Wellness and Athletics.