Dr. Melissa Schettler

I have more than 15 years of experience across K–12, higher education, and, most recently, Learning and Development. My background includes teaching face-to-face, online, and serving in administrative and curricular roles. 

With deep expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, learner engagement, leadership development, onboarding, and strategic program improvement, I partner with organizations to build scalable systems that strengthen how people learn, work, and grow.

My career foundation in education, curriculum, and organizational development gives me a unique ability to bridge educational strategy with implementation. I specialize in partnering with schools and organizations to turn fragmented processes into intentional, human-centered systems that improve clarity, strengthen team capacity, and create sustainable results.

Whether supporting leadership teams, improving onboarding experiences, redesigning learning pathways, or strengthening internal programs, my work is grounded in one belief: when systems are thoughtfully designed, people are better equipped for success.

I live in Pella, Iowa, with my husband and two kids. As a family, we enjoy traveling, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and spending time with friends and extended family.

A woman with long, wavy red hair smiling in a room with blurred background.
Family celebrating graduation outdoors, with a young woman in cap and gown, posing with a man, a girl, and a boy, all smiling, standing on a brick path surrounded by greenery and trees.

Strategy. Learning. Systems. Leadership. Impact.

Strategy. Learning. Systems. Leadership. Impact.

Education

EdD: Curriculum & Instruction
Regent University

MA: Developmental Reading
University of Iowa

BA: Elementary Education
University of Iowa

Credentials

ATD Coaching Certificate

Quality Matters Rubric Certification

Iowa Teaching License

Recognition & Contributions

ATD Central Iowa Chapter Professional Development Day
2026 Emerging Talent Development Leader Award Recipient
2026 Influencer of the Year Award Nominee

The TED and CEC Collaboration Podcast
Incorporating Advocacy in Higher Education, 2024

The Best of the Teaching Professor Conference
Let’s Get Engaged with Cooperative Learning Structures, 2023

Teaching Professor Conference
Remixing Group Work: Increasing Engagement with Cooperative Learning Structures, 2023

Faculty Focus Live Podcast
Live with Melissa Schettler: How to Increase Student Engagement with an Engagement Rubric, 2021

Certificate award for Melissa Schettler from the Association for Talent Development Central Iowa Chapter, recognizing her as an Emerging Leader Award Winner in 2026. The certificate features a photo of Melissa, a gold and blue color scheme, and symbols of hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades.

Let’s Work Together

Complete the inquiry form to schedule a free consultation to discuss how I can partner with you to advance your organization’s goals.