Mackenzie Bufis taught instrumental music in Downers Grove District 58 from 2010-2015 in Downers Grove, IL. Her teaching responsibilities included 4th-8th grade orchestra, beginning and intermediate band, the middle school Chamber Strings ensemble, and Orchestra Director at Herrick Middle School. She has served as a curriculum development consultant for District 58 and continues teaching as a substitute and in her private studio.

Mrs. Bufis co-wrote and presented “The Elephant in the Room: Preventing Sexual Misconduct in Music Education” and a similar session for collegiate students, “Preventing Educator Sexual Misconduct.” Since 2020, she has presented on this topic at various state conferences and for school districts in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Michigan, and Oklahoma, including at the Midwest Conference in 2022. In 2021, she presented “Preventing Sexual Misconduct in Education” at the International Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, TX. Mrs. Bufis earned her degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 2010, where she performed in the percussion studio, Marching Illini, and Balinese Gamelan ensemble.

Mackenzie’s greatest joy has been raising her three children. She is also passionate about gardening, Montessori education, and ringing handbells.