By Andrew Kish
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
PERRYSBURG — In Room 169 at Perrysburg High School sits a leather jacket-wearing, two-toned hair-bearing woman using a rolling suitcase to travel the halls, who 30 years ago let one small comment change her life.
Melanie Lyons has been teaching the Spanish language for over 30 years and comes prepared each day beaming with excitement.
However, being a Spanish teacher was not always on her list. Instead, she was planning to do something different, such as possibly entering the medical field to become a therapist, until one day, her decision changed.
“I decided to become a Spanish teacher because my Spanish 5 teacher awarded me the ‘Dos Toledo’ award, and I was shocked,” said Lyons. “My teacher said, ‘Why would you be shocked? You’d be an awesome Spanish teacher.’ I was floored because I didn’t feel that I was good or it was the right calling for me.”
However, she has since been teaching at Perrysburg High School for 32 years and even received many awards throughout her time, according to Perrysburg School’s website. Although, it’s not awards, accolades or recognition that keeps her coming back each year, rather, it is something else that got her to where she is today.
“Lots of inspiration from students,” she said. “Students are what really has given me the energy, motivation and drive to stay in the profession, and thrive in the profession.”
Speaking of Lyons’ energy, she says it’s important to have lots of it to be an effective teacher.
“You start your day every day with a positive attitude,” she said. “The students don’t need to know anything bad is going on in my life, in the world—when you’re in my classroom, it’s going to be joy.”
To have a positive attitude each day, she says it took her some time to figure out what works best. In addition, she said, with a chuckle, she’s a good actress at 8 a.m.
She says it would be boring if she taught by the typical textbook-and-notes style of teaching.
“I started to realize I began to sing everything and act it out because it just came out of me,” she said. “It seemed to work because the kids really bought into it, so I started to do it even more, and before I knew it, that’s who I am as an instructor.”
Even though Lyons has created a unique way of learning, she says it’s all about the students.
“So, it goes back to, again, the students have made me the teacher I am, because that’s not the teacher I started to be. I wanted to be great, make a difference and the students to learn, but that comes with time and wisdom,” she said.
Others agree and say she is always putting the needs of her students first.
Aaron Cookson is the principal of Perrysburg High School and first met Lyons many years ago.
“Melanie and I met in 1998 when she served as my cooperating teacher during my student teaching experience at Perrysburg High School,” he said. “Melanie has continued to evolve throughout her teaching career in order to best meet the needs of her students.”
Many others also stand behind the fact Lyons’ career focuses on the students.
“She is very student-centered — the students are her motivation for the day and continue to make her the best she can be,” said Perrysburg High School American Sign Language teacher Emily Bunch. “Even being 30 years into her career, she continues to ensure she is making improvements and changes to cater to her students.”
In addition, many describe her as a devoted teacher.
“She is a consummate professional who works diligently to fine-tune her craft,” said Cookson. “Melanie’s students are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated, caring and hardworking teacher from whom to learn.”
Lyons said she is more than likely going to retire in a few years, although that won’t stop her from pursuing her passions.
“I would like to work with new teachers, in some capacity. I like being around young people,” she said when asked about her post-retirement plans.
Although the teacher in Room 169 at Perrysburg High School has acquired more than 40 jackets, changed her hair multiple times, and even splurged on over six different pairs of glasses after realizing her Health Savings Account was about to expire, she offered some advice from her many years of experience.
“Always give your ‘all’ in all situations, with kindness, a smile on your face and positivity. When you walk into a place, I always say everybody brings joy—some when they come, some when they leave,” said Lyons. “Be the person that brings joy when they come, because the rest will sort itself out.”
