By Ed Pierce
It’s said that a great teacher is more than just someone who gives out answers to tests but is understanding of the needs and challenges of students and gives them the tools they need to succeed in life. Windham Middle School’s Mandy Lavallee can certainly be called one of those dedicated educators.
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| Mandy Lavallee teaches English and Language Arts at Windham Middle School and she also serves as the school's Student Council Advisor. She's part of the Leadership Team for WMS and has spent more than 20 years working in the field of education. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
“For eighth grade English and Language Arts, we are finishing up our World War II book studies unit,” Lavallee said. “Not only are we reading and analyzing, but we are crafting and writing. Students will be expected to write a literary essay as their final assessment.”
As WMS Student Council Advisor, Lavallee’s helped connect students to their community.
“So far this year we have collected food for the Windham Food Pantry, adopted a few families for Christmas and are currently supporting administration during our Holiday Assembly,” she said. “Within the next few weeks, we will be working on screen printing our own Windham shirts. Student Council has partnered with STEM to help bring this amazing opportunity to our students and staff.”
According to Lavallee, working on the WMS Leadership Team has been eye opening.
“It's important work and I'm proud to say, I've had the honor of working side by side with amazing staff from both middle schools,” she said.
Now in her second year of teaching at Windham Middle School, she has spent the past 20 years in the field of education.
“In 2005 I started as an educational technician at Windham Middle School. I worked with students who were in the care of the Department of Human Services and then the Functional Life Skills Program,” Lavallee said. “While I've worked in other districts teaching social studies and ELA, my favorite place to call home is WMS. While I do love curriculum work, making connections with my students and their families is what I enjoy the most. I truly enjoy my students and can't imagine doing anything different. Once my student, always my student.”
Originally from the Greater Portland area, she attended the University of New England where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a concentration in education. She later went back to UNE and obtained a teaching certificate and is certified to teach in both Kindergarten to Grade 8 and Grades 7 to 12. She did her student teaching at The REAL school on Mackworth Island. Lavallee has also worked as an educational technician, taught Social Studies for grades 9 to 12, been a Kindergarten to Grade 8 teacher and taught Language Arts for students in Grades 7 and 8.
“One of the most memorable moments I've had at WMS took place in October. We had just finished our memoirs and were celebrating our writing,” Lavallee said. “I decorated the classroom to look like a cafe. We had hot chocolate, tea and popcorn. The students were enthusiastic and engaged as we shared our pieces. I saw many smiles and heard several giggles. Their pieces were heartfelt and honored the people in their lives. It was a great day. When they asked if we could do it again, I knew our celebration of writing was a success.”
She says the most challenging aspect of her work is dealing with all the policies and procedures regarding schools.
“These can sometimes hinder activities designed to enhance curriculum or not get the support my kids need in what I believe to be a quick enough time frame,” she said. “Patience is something that I am working on.”
Last spring, Lavallee partnered with EF Tours in an effort to bring travel opportunities to RSU 14 middle schoolers.
“In April 2025 we will be traveling to Spain. This trip is designed specifically for middle school students,” she said. “We will be visiting an olive oil farm, making tiles, learning Flamenco dancing and more. I am already working on our next adventure which will be Italy.”
Her family is proud of her work and are her biggest cheerleaders.
“My own children love that I teach in their school district. It's a great thing when you can attend your own children's events and see your school kids succeed outside the classroom,” she said. “The most important thing I have learned while working for WMS is that you can do anything with enough heart and determination.” <
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