Melissa Pratto

Dr. Melissa Pratto is a dedicated educational leader with 20 years of experience in public education, 15 of which have been devoted to serving middle grades students. She currently serves as the principal at Fort Clarke Middle School in Gainesville, where in her first year as a principal in the 2024-25 school year she led the school to achieve its first “A” rating in a decade. This milestone reflects her commitment to excellence and student success.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pratto has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as the Secondary English Language Arts Curriculum Specialist for Alachua County Public Schools ,and as a middle and high school assistant principal. These roles are in addition to 8 years as a classroom teacher in elementary and middle school. These experiences have shaped her passion for supporting teachers and empowering students at all levels.
Dr. Pratto’s expertise includes curriculum design, data analysis, and the development and facilitation of professional learning for educators. She currently serves as the President of the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals, where she advocates for policies and practices that elevate secondary education in the state of Florida.