Humans of MST: Musical Melanie

Melanie Schalock’s (sha-LOCK) path to MST winds through childhood adventures with handmade toys, years of classical music study, and a long-standing love for Japan. Now back in Tokyo as our Learning Support Specialist, she brings her passion for Montessori education, student wellness and a calming presence to the MST community.

Where are you from and what was it like? 

I grew up in several cities in the US, from rural to urban, in places with very hot summers and in places with very cold and snowy winters. Most recently our family moved from Oregon.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

When I was 4 years old, I wanted to be the tooth fairy because I thought it was so cool.

What were your favorite toys and games growing up?

My grandmother saved every game and toy she ever bought for her grandkids in a large closet that we could access whenever we visited. I have so many memories of going on adventures with the Radio Flyer wagon, and building towers and log cabins with the Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs. I remember playing card games and Monopoly for hours with my cousins anytime there was a big family gathering at her house. My grandfather was a skilled woodworker and would also make us grandkids toys. 

What’s your biggest passion these days?

I’m a classical musician, and while I studied cello in college and later began playing the Japanese koto and pedal harp, within the last couple of years I started taking piano lessons.  I find it to be a lot of fun! Learning to play a new instrument as an adult is very rewarding. 

What brought you to Tokyo?

Having studied and lived in Japan previously, I always wanted to return someday for work, when the timing was right. Being a part of the worldwide Montessori community made this a possibility. 

What’s your favorite place in Tokyo?

I don’t have a specific favorite place in Tokyo, but I do like exploring the various gardens and parks. 

How do you spend your weekends?

At the time of this writing I’ve been in Japan for exactly 1 month, so in the four weekends I have been here, I have: 

• Reconnected with my Japanese friends from my college days

• Visited a Japanese high school festival (which was really cool!) 

• Went swimming at an outdoor pool before the season ended 

• Attended a gagaku performance (I’m a nerd about traditional Japanese music)

• Explored the local area, went on adventures, and revisited all the places I used to frequent back in the day! 

What book do you recommend?

My favorite book of all time is Botchan by Natsume Soseki. It perfectly encapsulates the radical transformation of old Japan into modern Japan during the Meiji Era. Plus, if you are a teacher, I think you will find the book very relatable and humorous. 

How did you end up at MST?

Eager to fulfill my dream of one day working in Japan, I had been looking for opportunities at MST for quite some time, but it seemed like every time I searched there was nothing available or life was too busy raising young children. Finally, the planets aligned and now I am here! 

What did you used to do before MST?

In the year prior to my transfer to MST, I was working as an Orton-Gillingham tutor supporting students with dyslexia across 3 schools and also working as substitute support specialist at a Montessori school. Prior to that I was a guide for ten years in a 3-6 year old classroom.  

Why did you decide to go into teaching?

I started teaching private Suzuki cello lessons to young children, and enjoyed it so much I often wished I could spend more time working with my students on a variety of subjects. As luck would have it, my cello teacher co-founded a Montessori school in her community, so she encouraged me to seek out teaching training. I knew Montessori was the right approach for me! 

What’s your favorite thing about teaching?

I love being with the children every day. This job is never boring! Every day is unique and interesting.