By Tessa Hayn, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- Have you ever had a teacher that you will never forget? Crestview Elementary’s Michele Marinaro has been making a difference in students’ lives for the past 13 years. Her love of education was inspired by her own children.
“I was inspired to become a teacher later on in my career after I had my son,” she explained. “There were many days when, when picking him up from daycare, I would spend time playing with all of the children, and I truly enjoyed seeing their excitement when they were learning about the world around them. I wanted to be part of that.”
Marinaro received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Kent State University. She got her first teaching job at Towslee Elementary in 2013 before moving to Crestview Elementary the following year.
Marinaro explained she has many favorite memories from teaching, so it is hard to pick just one. “I do have to say that now that I have been teaching long enough to have students in the graduating classes, I truly enjoy the day the seniors come back to visit their elementary schools,” she shared.
Marinaro also reflected on some of the challenges and rewards of teaching. “I feel that being able to balance is the key,” she stated. “Whether it pertains to time management, testing, or even student learning and motivation. But despite the challenges teachers can face, having the support from other teachers and my principal helps me to overcome these challenges. The reward is becoming a better version of myself to help my students grow.”
Marinaro dedication to overcoming these challenges and guiding her students continues to make a lasting impression on the Brunswick community.
Tessa Hayn, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Michele Marinaro, Crestview Elementary.