In addition to the retiring staff we published in the July 25 issue, Paula Balcom announced her intention to retire in July.
Balcom retired from Village Elementary School after teaching 34 years in Gorham. She started teaching art “a la Cart” in 1985, teaching a total of 953 students between all four Gorham elementary schools: Village, Narragansett, White Rock, and Little Falls. Eventually, she settled down at Village with 475 students.
She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), with a double major in illustration and art education. She did graduate work at RISD and the New School (NYC), and earned her M.Ed. from the University of New England.
After graduating from RISD, Paula taught three years in South Attleborough, MA, before returning to her beloved Maine. She taught art for nine years in Gardiner, grades 7-12; and taught one year in MSAD #6 before coming to Gorham.
Photo credit Dan RubinoffShe was very active on the Board of the Maine Art Education Association for many years, and she mentored nine student teacher/interns during her career.
With a total of over 47 years in K-12 art education, Balcom has taught over 8,000 students and “loved almost every minute of it.”
Balcom has greatly appreciated the privilege of teaching in Gorham, because she felt it was an excellent school system in a wonderful community with fantastic kids, caring parents, and supportive staff.
She has especially loved teaching multiple generations of her students; teaching art to both children and their parents. She looks forward to continuing working with the kids and staff through subbing (at Village and K-12 art) and volunteering.
This summer, she spent a lot of her time cleaning out the art room so now rest and relaxation is next on her list of “things to do” and “no looking at the clock.” Her little dachshund, Tobi, says he is very happy that she is retiring.