Name: Nancy Marinakos
School: Wilson Primary School
District: Wilson School
District
Grade(s) you teach: 3rd
How long have you been a teacher: 28 years
What made you get into the teaching profession?
The greatest impact on my decision to become an educator was my father. My father migrated from Greece to the United States in 1957. In 1960, he married my mother who also migrated from Greece. My mother went to school to learn English. Shortly after, she became a beautician and put my father through school at Wayne State University. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and also received a his MBA. He was also a teacher at Detroit College of Business. As a young child, I remember my father always saying, “Go to school and get your education. It is something no one can ever take away from you.” I heard this so often that I realized how important it was to get an education. It was embedded in my mind. My father would always share stories about the importance of getting an education and the profound impact it had on his life. Furthermore, I remember my father helping me nightly with my homework, especially my math story problems. Not only did he help me with my school work, but he also taught myself and my two sibling how to speak, read, and write in Greek. We had Greek school every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:30 at home. I thought my father was amazing and such a wonderful teacher. I thought to myself, I want to be a teacher and help children learn just like my father.” I realized at a young age that learning could be a struggle but with hard work and a teacher who cares I could be successful and achieve my goals and dreams. My father showed me that this was possible. I clearly recognized his love for teaching. As a result, this became a strong desire in my own heart as well. The second greatest impact on why I went into the teaching profession was by love for children. The was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I was going to become an teacher and I am so thankful that I did.
Who was your most inspirational teacher & why?
My most inspirational teacher was my 6th grade science teacher, Mr. Derda, who was also our school counselor. Mr. Derda was very caring and patient. Not only was he an amazing teacher, but he was a wonderful counselor. He was always there to support me when I was having any type of struggle. He was compassionate and truly cared.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges teachers in Arizona face now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in the classroom is meeting the needs of ALL of my students. There is a great deal of time that I implement into my planning, in order to differentiate my lessons, so my students are successful. It is very important for students to receive the education that they need, but at the same time it is very challenging trying to meet all of these needs. I give 100% daily and will continue to do so because my students deserve nothing less. My desire would be to have an educated assistant with me all day, that could help my students become successful with their learning, regardless of their academic level.
How do these issues affect your day-to-day?
The challenge of having different levels within the classroom can be very draining, but at the same time rewarding. The beauty in this is that because I have a deep understanding of my students levels I can differentiate lessons in order for them to be successful and build confidence in their learning. Despite the challenge that I face and the exhaustion that I sometimes feel, I try to instill a love for learning, a growth mind set, patience, and that it’s ok for my students to have that productive struggle. I strive daily to provide a positive learning environment and for my students to believe that all thing are possible when we both give 100%. If we are all giving 100%, the end product will be beautiful. A classroom that fosters learning, patience, hope and love.
How are the expectations of becoming a teacher different from reality?
The expectation of becoming a teacher is very different from the reality. Once you are in the classroom teaching reality hit you! There are so many components to being a good teacher such as building relationships, understanding who they are and their backgrounds, their academic needs, data, classroom management, planning, collaborating with parents and the community, and endless hours of working at home to prepare for your lessons, grading, etc. The list goes on! Get ready to multi task and have your head spinning. I can say without a doubt teaching is one of the most challenging parts of my life, but I wouldn’t want have any other profession. There is a beauty in being a good teacher and for me there isn’t a whole lot that compares to seeing the positive impact I have on these little angels.
What are some of the most thoughtful & effective ways parents and the community can show gratitude and appreciation?
Parents in the Wilson community are amazing. we use Class Dojo as a means of communication and many for the messages that I receive from them are so heartfelt. It’s very apparent that they are appreciative of all that I do for their child.
What is your wish for your students? Arizona students?
My wish for all of my students is to have love for learning and that they can achieve their goals and dreams.
