Photo by Chloe Marazzani
Melanie Ligocki has been teaching at South Salem High School for 27 years. Currently Ligocki teaches geometry to a majority of sophomores and algebra II to sophomores and juniors. In the past Ligocki has also taught English to all high school levels when she taught at schools in Washington (Kent, Issaquah, Bellevue.)
Ligocki had a horse when she was in middle school and high school so for her first job she worked in a stable to help pay for the stable and the lesson bills.
“Then my job during summers of college was hotel housekeeping. It was not glamorous and was hard work, but the pay was decent at the time and I always had evenings free, which was nice,” Ligocki said.
Ligocki’s College Experience
Ligocki got her undergraduate degree at Corban University which at the time was called Western Baptist Bible College where she got her degrees in English and Mathematics. She then Graduated from George Fox University for a Master of Education for Curriculum and Instruction.
One of her biggest women inspirations in life was Dr. Linda Samek. Ligocki has known her since college and she was her main math professor as well as taught some of Ligocki’s education classes.
“She has forged a very respected career before women were widely accepted and respected in mathematics and in higher education. Both personally and professionally she has never stopped learning and looking for ways to improve herself and contribute to those in her sphere of influence,” Ligocki said.
One of Ligocki’s favorite things about being a teacher is the students.
“I like getting to know them as people and I like seeing them be able to find success, whatever that means for them, with things that maybe they thought were too hard for them,” Ligocki said.
Advice For Young Women
Advice for any young women who are ready to join the workforce is to be ready for what challenges you will face and see what you can and can not change.
“Not just for being a teacher, but really anything. You may or may not be able to change the world, but you can absolutely change your world. If you are passionate about something, then go for it; do not let someone else tell you what you can not do,” Ligocki said.
Ligocki did not struggle in her career field as a woman thanks to those before her.
“For when I started working as a math teacher, I have been fortunate to stand on the shoulders of giants. Many women before me had a much harder time and paved the way, so to speak. For my era/generation, I do not believe that my opportunities have been limited because I am a woman. I do not take that for granted and I am grateful,” Ligocki said.
Favorite Things
One of Ligocki’s favorite trips she has ever been on was when she traveled to Omaha Beach.
“My granddad was part of the troops landing in Normandy (he was on Omaha Beach); along with the rest of our family, I was able to travel there with him in 2004 for the 60th anniversary ceremonies. Being able to see where such a historic event took place and hear his first-hand experiences on those sites was really meaningful,” Ligocki said.
One of Ligocki’s favorite shows to watch is Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
“I have watched all of the episodes of all the versions of NCIS. For movies… as with music, I like lots of different genres of movies, but probably my overall favorite is musicals, especially the old classics,” Ligocki said.
