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Paityn Mellott poses with her favorite pens and colored pencils against a bubble-gum-pink backdrop.

posted August 20, 2025

Paityn Mellott joins us this year to teach 3rd grade. This is Ms. Mellott's first year teaching, and we're so happy to have her with us! We asked her some questions so you could get to know her a bit before the school year begins. 

What do you like about teaching 3rd grade?
I was lucky enough to complete my student teaching in a 3rd-grade classroom, and I absolutely loved it. This age group is such a fun mix of curiosity, independence, and energy. I enjoyed building relationships not only with the students but also with their families, and it was so rewarding to watch the students grow both academically and personally.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of being a teacher is watching those lightbulb moments when a student suddenly understands something that once felt challenging. It’s so rewarding to see their confidence grow. I also love building connections with my students and creating a classroom environment where they feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.

What is your ultimate goal as a teacher?
My ultimate goal as a teacher is to create a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and respected. I want my students to know they belong, that their voices matter, and that they are supported as individuals. When students feel that sense of security and acceptance, they can take risks, and grow.

What do you hope students take away from your class this year?
I hope my students leave this year not only with new knowledge and skills, but also with the confidence to believe in themselves and the courage to keep trying, even when things are hard. I want them to know they are valued, capable, and an important part of our classroom community.

Fun Facts/Hobbies:
I really enjoy reading, as well as creative hobbies like drawing and photography. I have one sister who I’m very close with, and we enjoy spending time together whenever we can.

From our first interaction with the staff at Cardinal schools, we felt at home. The entire staff is amazing and we feel that we have a trusted partner in our children’s education. The greatest testament to their success is that our kids love going to school. There is nothing more welcoming as a parent than to have a school that you trust to take care of the most precious thing in your life. Cardinal School District does just that.
Ellis and Barbara Codjoe · Cardinal Parents
Cardinal School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (for employment), socioeconomic status (for programs), religion, disability, creed, national origin, marital status (for programs), sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its educational programs and employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinator, Cindy Green.

The Cardinal Community School District offers career and technical  programs in the following service areas:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Health Science
Human Services
Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Cindy Green - cindy.green@cardinalcomet.com
Middle School Principal/Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Equity Coordinator
4045 Ashland Rd.
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-7531

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