Though Rebecca Melvoin joins the faculty as a history teacher, it will not be her first time living on campus. As Ms. Melvoin’s father was a teacher at Deerfield, she spent her childhood in Pocumtuck, but now, as a teacher, she lives on Mather II.
When asked how she was re-adjusting to dorm life, Ms. Melvoin responded, “My work at Brown in the dorms helped prepare me. That having been said, I’m still getting used to how loud girls can be when they are excited and having fun.” Ms. Melvoin also enthused over her favorite food to make for feeds: pancakes.
Before coming to Deerfield, Ms. Melvoin attended Bowdoin College and Brown where she received her Master’s degree in American Civilization, and Boston College where she earned a Master’s in history. While at Bowdoin, she dabbled with the idea of becoming a social worker or management consultant before deciding to teach after helping out at a Hebrew School. She has also taught at several secular schools including the Lakeside School in Seattle and Beaver Country Day School in Brookline, MA.
When asked why she chose to return to Deerfield, Ms. Melvoin said, “I was so impressed with everyone I met when I came to interview, and I knew that I would enjoy teaching here. Plus, returning home was also very appealing.”
In addition to teaching, she will be coaching squash in the winter and softball in the spring.