SACO — Soon, the school year will come to a close, and Literacy Instructional Coach and Intervention Specialist Cathy Melanson will be packing up her books for the last time.

Melanson is retiring after 40 years in education. Over the years, she has worked as an educational technician, a second-grade teacher, and a gifted and talented coordinator, before taking the her current job at C.K. Burns in 2005.

She has served on the board of  Maine Educators of Gifted and Talented, was co-chairwoman of the former School Union 7 District Development Team and in 1999 was the Maine Special Educator of the Year.

In a recent interview, Melanson reflected fondly on her career and said she’s always enjoyed teaching.

“Every single cycle from September to September brings so much promise,” she said. After the school year ends in June, there are a few months to renew, relax and plan ahead for the next school year. She said each year is never the same, there are always new students and new initiatives.

Melanson said she’s been fortunate to work in a forward-thinking school district,where there is a strong commitment to instructional practices and teachers, not just programs.

Teachers fully participate in studying collaborating, piloting and making informed decisions about practices in the classroom.

The needs of students today are so varied, and it’s critically important for teachers to address the individual needs of different learners, said Melanson.

Over the years, she said, teaching reading has shifted from a standardized approach to a workshop approach that focuses more on small groups and individuals. Schools have been able to grow classroom libraries, allowing students to make independent reading choices and giving teachers insight on what they need next to become stronger readers.

Terrilyn Lebel, literary specialist at Young School in Saco said Melanson is the embodiment of a lifelong learner who was always eager to discuss how to move teaching and literacy forward, and even in her last weeks in the position was sending out articles for others to read. 

“Cathy is as much a cheerleader for students and staff as she is an expert on literacy,” said Lebel. “Cathy is a dedicated professional whose retirement is a true loss to the district.”

Jessica Cook, an instructional literacy coach at Fairfield School in Saco said Melanson’s expertise has been invaluable and she has been a leader in development and implementation of the district’s practices in literacy.

“Cathy is a person who lifts those around her higher,” said Cook. “Professionally and personally, what she brings to the conversation enriches the thinking and experiences of both students and adults, and her passion for learning is nothing short of inspiring.”

Melanson has no plans set in stone for her retirement, but hopes to continue to do the things she enjoys, including spending time with family, reading, hiking, camping, gardening, sewing and maybe taking some classes.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.