Mélissa Drolet’s path into education was anything but conventional.
Today, she teaches in the Saanich School District (SD#63), where she has spent her entire teaching career. But before entering the classroom, Mélissa worked as a chemist – a career that eventually led her to reflect on what she valued most in her professional life.
Originally from Quebec City, Mélissa moved to the Saanich area about 17 years ago. At the time, she planned to stay only a few years before returning east. Instead, she quickly became attached to the community, the environment, and the lifestyle Saanich offered.
Seventeen years later, Saanich is still home.
While working in chemistry, Mélissa realized she missed having opportunities to connect with people in a more personal and social way. Wanting to explore something different, she began volunteering in French Immersion schools.
That experience ultimately changed the direction of her career.
Inspired by her time spent volunteering in education, Mélissa decided to return to university and pursue a career in teaching. Nearly 10 years later, she says it remains one of the best decisions she has ever made.
“Every day I love what I do. There isn’t a single moment that I regret.”
Since beginning her teaching career, Mélissa has remained with Saanich Schools, where she says the sense of community among educators is unlike anything she has experienced elsewhere.
“There’s a really big sense of community,” she explains. “We’re all together, we collaborate, and we take care of each other.”
Within the district, staff often refer to this culture simply as doing things “the Saanich way.”
For Mélissa, that support extends beyond the workplace. Her children attend school in the district, and over the years, her family has developed deep connections within the community.
She describes Saanich as a place where educators feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow together professionally. Collaboration is central to the district’s culture, and teachers are encouraged to share ideas, support one another, and work collectively to create positive learning environments for students.
Looking back on her transition from chemistry to teaching, Mélissa is grateful she chose to take that leap. What began as volunteer work in French Immersion classrooms eventually became a meaningful second career built around relationships, collaboration, and community.
School District #63 (Saanich) is hiring! Apply here.
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