MaryAnn Mattiola, who retired from the Northern Lehigh School District after 40 years of teaching, held many titles over those four decades.

Her past roles included: part-time and full-time art teacher; fine arts department chair; adviser to the decorating club and the yearbook club; adviser to the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes; instructor for the summer learning program; and teacher in the gifted program.

And, most recently, she was an English as a second language teacher.

“My focus in education has always been to place children first in my day, in art classes and in the English second language department,” Mattiola said. “I recognize that all children laugh in the same language.

“I often used my art skills in painting and cartooning to communicate with children who don’t speak English. It’s a great icebreaker, and laughter and a smile can open the doors to knowledge as well as a book.”

Dr. Matthew J. Link, district superintendent, spoke about Mattiola at this year’s commencement exercises.

“As an art educator, Ms. Mattiola inspired generations of students to develop a deep appreciation for the visual arts while nurturing their creative and artistic talents,” he said. “In her role as an ESL teacher, Ms. Mattiola made a profound impact on the lives of countless students and families.

“She worked tirelessly to help English language learners — many of whom arrived at Northern Lehigh as newcomers with little or no English proficiency — develop the language skills necessary to succeed academically and socially.”

According to Link, in addition to her direct work with students, Mattiola served as a valuable resource and advocate for English language learners throughout the district.

“She collaborated closely with classroom teachers, providing guidance, instructional support and strategies to help meet the unique needs of multilingual learners,” Link said. “Her willingness to support colleagues and faster inclusive learning environments benefited both students and staff alike.”

The superintendent said that Mattiola’s commitment to education and unwavering support of students is her lasting legacy.

“She will truly be missed by the students, staff and families of the Northern Lehigh School District,” Link said.

Mattiola said she has “joyful memories” from her four decades at Northern Lehigh.

“I don’t know how it became 40 years when I don’t feel 40 years old,” she said. “I kept the bar raised as high for NL students as I would have my own children. I have enjoyed advocating for all children equally and teaming with admin for a better future.”

Her future plans include continuing to work with ESL children and furthering her restoration and art endeavors.

Mattiola has created more than two dozen murals in the school district, including inside school buildings and a 20-foot by 40-foot mural at the football field. Elsewhere, locations of her murals include a playground and a district judge’s office.