Learning Alongside My Students: Take Five with Melissa Flisk

Take Five is a series that highlights members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our students. All throughout the 2024–25 school year, we will be spotlighting our amazing CPS teachers! If you know a teacher who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Meet Ms. Melissa Flisk, a special education teacher at Jones College Prep. In addition to her regular teaching responsibilities, she has taken on case management work, has sponsored Jones’ Best Buddies program, and co-teaches Jones’ Art ACES program, which is a Best Buddies art class. As an educator, Ms. Flisk strives to create a calm and welcoming space that celebrates her students’ interests, needs, skills, and personalities.

Ms. Flisk loves reading and writing, so when she started in the classroom 10 years ago, it was as an English teacher. She was also paired with a special education co-teacher, which brought her the opportunity to observe that job up-close. Ms. Flisk quickly realized that what she truly wanted to do was work with students with disabilities, so she earned her master’s degree in special education at night while continuing to teach during the day.

Learn more about Ms. Flisk below!

What are your favorite parts of being a special education teacher?

I thought that my passion for the content would be what drove me as an educator, but I quickly realized that it’s so much more about the kids who are in front of you every day. As a special education teacher, you get to know your students really well—you learn about what’s going on with them, their needs, and what they like and dislike. Another one of the cool things about being a special education teacher is that you’re constantly learning. You can’t really get stuck in one thing, because you’re always getting put into different content areas, and different students are coming in each year with new needs. It definitely keeps me on my toes!

What skills are you most excited to teach your students?

I’m really interested in elevating student voice. Right now, I’m in the middle of developing a unit that will have students create an oral history of Chicago through their own lens, as well as by talking to other people about their experiences. I hope this project will help students learn to value their own stories, as well as make connections with others and build empathy. I like units like this one because we’re able to incorporate many different subjects and skills, like history, reading, writing, listening, and even social-emotional learning.

When you look back at this school year, what are some of your favorite memories?

One of the highlights of this year has been working with Laura Strickland, my U.S. History co-teacher! We work really well together, and that makes such a huge difference for students. When the teachers are having fun, the classroom environment is more enjoyable and engaging for the students, too. Another great experience was the Unified Special Olympics basketball tournament this winter! Our team did very well, and we were so close to going downstate. The students were so excited.

Do you have a message for other special education teachers during this Teacher Appreciation Week?

Remember that you are valued, that your students and coworkers appreciate you, and that your work is important! I mentor teachers who are going through the National Board Certification process, so I get to see first-hand the amazing work that special education teachers are doing across the District. Our special education teachers are reflective, engaged, and innovative when it comes to problem-solving. It’s not always easy being a special education teacher, but the work we do is so invaluable to our students!

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?

I really love running, reading, and hanging out with my wife and our two dogs—we have a French bulldog named Matilda and a Saluki named Astrid. I’m excited to get outside this summer and go kayaking, biking, and to some Sox games!