Marilyn Marino started in North Palos District 117 coordinating successful fundraisers for the Oak Ridge PTA and departed five decades later leaving an indelible mark on scores of students she’s taught and teachers she’s mentored over the years.
Mrs. Marino, 78, retired recently to spend more time with her husband of 57 years Jack; the couple’s three grown children and nine grandchildren. She and Jack also plan to spend more time in their home in Florida where they walk two-and-a-half miles each day (except on days they golf).
“I’ve truly been blessed,” she said. ”I’ve been able to do what I love to do. I’ve been really fortunate.”
Mrs. Marino was a young mom of three small children back in the late 1970s when she got involved in the Oak Ridge PTA. “Back in those days we put on some really successful fashion shows (at the Lexington House) where we raised a lot of money,” she said. “Some of the prizes were trips to Hawaii.”
But as her children started getting older Marilyn started thinking about what she could do that was both “fulfilling and would make a difference.” She talked with Jack and decided she wanted to become a teacher.
She enrolled at Moraine Valley Community College and received her Associates Degree. Mrs. Marino earned a scholarship to St. Xavier University where she graduated with a degree in elementary education.
Marilyn spent the next 20 years teaching at both Dorn and Glen Oaks schools. In 1999, she became a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), a process centered around five core propositions that help teachers refine their craft.
She spent the last 18 years working part time as the district’s Mentor Coordinator where she has helped numerous teachers and current district administrators (when they were teachers) navigate the strenuous three-year process.
“I have thoroughly loved what I have done,” Mrs. Marino said. “I have had the opportunity to work with some truly outstanding educators and, hopefully, have helped them improve their craft.”
Reflecting on her career, she said she is “going to miss the people I worked with, being involved in education and visiting the classrooms to observe teachers’ techniques.”
Looking to the future, Marilyn said she is excited about spending time with family, golfing, traveling and relaxing. “I just want to live life.”