Michael J. Meissen, Ph.D.
About Company
Dr. Michael Meissen, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, is a second-generation educator who has served in education for 42 years as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, coach, athletic director, middle school principal, high school principal, college level adjunct professor, school superintendent and educational leadership consultant. Meissen is the Senior Director of Educational Innovation and Partnerships at Edgewood College in Madison, WI. Mike has experience as an Educational Leadership Consultant providing strategic planning and community engagement for PreK-12 school districts and higher educational institutions across the country He served as the superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, serving the neighboring cities of Plymouth, Plymouth Township, and Canton in southeast Michigan. Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, a high-performing and nationally recognized collection of 23 buildings, is the fourth largest public-school district in the State of Michigan with approximately 17,500 students (July 2013-July 2016)
As a School Superintendent in Glenbard Township High School District #87 (2006-2012), a diverse school district of 9,000 students comprising (9) nine communities, the district achieved numerous state and national recognition during his tenure. Academic levels of achievement for the students were the highest in the history of the district.
Meissen, who was named the MetLife National Association of Secondary School Principals State of Wisconsin Principal of the Year in 2003-04, has a demonstrated record of success and accomplishment in elevating the academic performance for students and leading school and district improvement. A product of public schools himself, Meissen has displayed an unwavering commitment to quality schools ensuring strong communities and vibrant neighborhoods.
Dr. Meissen has completed training in the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) “Breaking Ranks II Strategies for Leading High School Reform” initiative, and he has experience leading professional growth and mentoring for school administrators. He has taught aspiring administrators through Lewis University in the Greater Chicago area. Courses instructed have been “The School Principalship” and supervision and mentoring of the “Administrative Practicum” course.
Dr. Meissen has focused his leadership style on the development and implementation of strategic plans. Mike values teamwork and has created strong structures for the principles of a “Professional Learning Community”. The measurement of student achievement and district performance (District Scorecard) has been utilized to ensure accountability of success in the strategic goal areas of:
● Academic Growth and Achievement
● Safe Schools ● Collaboration
● Partnerships
● Fiscal Responsibility
Dr. Meissen served the Madison College (MATC) in Madison, Wisconsin during the 2016-2017 school year to lead a strategic planning effort for the college to align with the PreK-12 School Districts in greater ways. Strategic plans were designed collaboratively with key leaders in the College and PreK-12 leaders to increase student access, improve student preparation for college and increase student completion of college once enrolled.
Dr. Meissen earned a doctorate degree in educational administration and a master’s degree in counseling and guidance, both from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social welfare from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. As a student athlete, Meissen earned a varsity letter in football and was named to the academic all-conference team.
