Melanie McCain earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1974, a master’s degree in special education with emphasis in gifted education in 1977 and a Master’s Plus 30 in gifted education in 1981. All degrees and certifications were earned at Northwestern State. During her career, she has served as a classroom teacher in English/language arts and gifted/talented, a supervising teacher, principal, parish/city supervisor of instruction, educational diagnostician, associate educational therapist and Title 1 supervisor. She was a Distinguished Educator designated by the Louisiana State Board of Educators or Rapides and Orleans parishes from 1999-2003.
McCain’s career experience includes teaching in both public and private elementary schools, as well as serving as an itinerate teacher. She is owner/consultant for Shelly-Belly Literacy Company and Shelly-Belly Literacy Company for Dyslexia. She is also a Time to Teach consultant in behavior management and is an Emergenetics thinking styles consultant. Her professional development activities include study in guided reading, writing, assessment practices, behavior management, learning styles and the brain. She holds membership in several professional organizations and continues to volunteer and substitute teach at local schools.
McCain has been married to Steve McCain Sr. for 48 years and the couple has two children and four grandchildren. She is involved with several civic, social and philanthropic organizations.