Voices for Education: Melissa Lane

Melissa with her sons, Alex and Sam, and her husband, Brett

Maybe it’s because I grew up with two dedicated teachers for parents. I saw them spend countless hours in the evenings and weekends grading papers, writing lesson plans, organizing their classrooms, and collaborating with co-workers. I saw them buy underwear, school supplies, and shoes for students because their families couldn’t afford them. I saw them call parents at night because they had concerns about that child. I saw them accept collect calls from former students who needed help and had no one else to call. I saw them worry and lose sleep about whether or not they were going to have healthcare benefits, larger class sizes, or even a job if the levy failed.

Maybe it’s because I have two children of my own who attend GEMS. I want them to have the well-rounded education they deserve. I see their love of learning, growth in academia, excitement about a project in art, and joy in getting to be part of a school sports team. I have volunteered in their classes weekly and have observed the different dynamics of every student that one classroom teacher has to manage. I see the extra effort my kids’ teachers put into helping the students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. I receive personal texts and emails from my kids’ teachers in the evenings and on weekends because the teachers genuinely care about my kids. I also work as a physical therapist in the school and notice the love that is given to every single child by their special education teachers and paraprofessional aides.

Maybe it’s because I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education and taught for a couple of years, experiencing all the hard work that goes into teaching. I understand the challenges of teaching a classroom of kids who are all on different academic and behavioral levels. I stayed awake at night thinking about other people’s children and how I could help them become a better reader, get along with their peers, or learn a new math concept. I spent my own money on supplies for the classroom. I learned firsthand how much of an impact teachers have on children’s lives.

I am well aware of the potential ripple effect of professionals wanting to move away or not move here at all due to failed levies. I’ve sat in interviews with potential physical therapists for our hospital, and the interviewee almost always asks, “What are the schools like?”

Maybe it’s because I am an active member of this town, and I want to see Grangeville be forward-thinking and successful. I am well aware of the potential ripple effect of professionals wanting to move away or not move here at all due to failed levies. I’ve sat in interviews with potential physical therapists for our hospital, and the interviewee almost always asks, “What are the schools like?” When businesses do not support the schools, they shouldn’t expect teachers and parents to support their businesses; it goes both ways. I want our restaurants, movie theater, stores, medical clinics, etc. to thrive.

Maybe that’s why I’m so passionate about and so strongly support our public schools. Whether you homeschool, use a private school, have no children, or have no school-age children, the public schools affect you! We MUST put our indifferences aside, remember that this is a non-partisan topic, and work cohesively to pass the levy for our communities.

Melissa Lane

March 15, 2024

If you would like to share your story as part of our Voices for Education series, reach out to team@244supporters.org