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EDITOR’S NOTE: The LaGrange Daily News is doing a Q&A with all of the teachers of the year in the Troup County School System. Today, we are writing about Melinda Golden, an eighth-grade Math and Algebra 1 teacher at Long Cane Middle School. We asked her 20 questions, and we shortened this interview to some of our favorite responses.

Melinda Golden has worked in education for 18 years. For the past 14 years, she has been at Long Cane Middle School and with the Troup County School System.

Melinda has been married to Allen Golden for 15 years. They met at Troup High and started dating at the age of fourteen. Allen owns Golden Lawncare. They have 2 children. The oldest is JD who graduated from LHS and Point University and is currently a police officer. The youngest is Walker who is currently a third grader at Long Cane Elementary.

Aside from being a teacher, Golden is a “retired” competition/football cheer coach.

Golden’s main activities outside of school are centered around her youngest son’s travel baseball, church and rec sports. She is also involved in a workout program at the BodyShop in LaGrange.

What inspired you to become an educator? (Or who?) 

“A series of things inspired me to become an educator. Growing up, I had a wonderful experience in Troup County Schools. I truly loved school and the teachers I had over the years. Because of this nurturing environment, I wanted to support the wonderful legacy that is TCSS as a teacher. 

Secondly, I was inspired by my mother who was also a teacher. Over the years, I watched the love and hard work that she poured into her job, and I was inspired and encouraged to become an educator. She became one of my biggest encouragers when I became a teacher. 

Lastly, I believe that teaching is my calling. Teaching is actually my second career. I entered the corporate world first, but I found myself having the desire to teach. I wanted to have an impact on my community. I made one of the best decisions and left the corporate world to become a teacher.”

What are your career aspirations? 

“My career aspirations are to continue improving my teaching style and reaching more children. I love being in the classroom and working with 8th graders.”

 If you weren’t a teacher, what career field would you be in? 

“I cannot see myself doing anything other than teaching; however, I would love to teach middle school art one day.”

What hidden talent do you have that might surprise your students and our readers?

“I love planning/designing children’s parties.”

What’s the most creative/unique project one of your classes has worked on?

“One of my favorite projects that we complete in my classroom is a Linear Equation Stained Glass Window. The students have to create and graph a series of linear equations based on a set of guidelines. Then, they translate their design onto a glass picture frame using stained glass paint. When the students are finished, they are left with an original piece of art built from a series of mathematical guidelines. The students are able to learn and reinforce math standards, but they also have a special product that they can keep for years to come.”

 If you could invite any historical figure to speak to your class, who would you choose and why?

“I would love to invite Walt Disney to speak to my classes. I think all of my students could be reached by Walt Disney’s message:  ‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them’.” 

What’s the most rewarding part about your job? 

“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing every student that is placed in my classroom is there for a reason whether that is for academic purposes or even social-emotional reasons. Every day I look out at my classroom and know God has placed each of them in there for a specific purpose, and I consider it a responsibility and privilege to help my students to achieve their individual goals.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

“Time! The most challenging part of my job is having the time to reach the needs of all 123 students on my roster.”

What’s the most unusual excuse a student has given you for not completing their homework? 

“The most unusual excuse that I have received for not completing homework would be ‘hunting.’ I know that doesn’t sound too unusual, but the student pulled two frozen squirrels out of his bookbag that he had “hunted” and tried to sell them to me for $2.00. This was why he did not have time to complete his homework.”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year? 

“Being voted LCMS’ Teacher of the Year means the world to me. I absolutely love Long Cane Middle School! To be the Teacher of the Year is such an honor, and I am so grateful that my peers trusted me with this award. I work with the best staff and the best students in the best school!”

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite activities? 

“Typically on the weekend or on a summer day, I am at a ball field or another event for my youngest son. I love spending time with my family.” 

As your students transition to the next grade or graduate in May, what is one key takeaway you hope they carry forward from their time in your class?

“As my students transition to high school, I hope they know what a wonderful year I had with them! They are truly a smart, fun, and loving group of students. I tell anyone that asks about this school year that it has been the best year yet, and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to teach each of them.”