Ann Marzolino retiring after 45 years teaching in Dunmore schools

By Steve Svetovich

Her vision as an elementary school teacher was to provide a joyful learning experience by using technology, hands-on activities and group projects.

And Ann Marzolino has been doing this to perfection for 45 years. She will retire next month from the Dunmore School District.

“I believe this way of teaching empowers children to reach their educational and personal potential while nurturing their self confidence and self esteem,” the retiring teacher said.

Ann spent her last 18 years teaching third grade at Dunmore Elementary after 27 years as a second grade and third to sixth grade science and social studies teacher at Saint Mary’s of Mount Carmel Grade School in Dunmore.

Daughter of the late William and Jeanne Walsh, the Dunmore native graduated from Bishop O’Hara in 1974. She received a bachelor science degree in elementary education from East Stroudsburg University in 1978. She went on to receive a master of science degree, and began her teaching career at Saint Mary’s of Mount Carmel in 1978.

“One of my greatest challenges as a teacher,” she said, “was teaching through the COVID-19 pandemic. I spent my whole summer learning Google Classroom and collaborating with my colleagues to ensure a successful school year for my students. It helped me grow as a teacher and moved my methodologies in a new direction that I continue to use even after the pandemic.

“I am blessed for having the opportunity to work with so many outstanding colleagues and administrations over the years. I feel especially grateful for being given the opportunity to have taught in my home town and watch my students and eventheir  children grow up to become wonderful, successful adults.”

A very patient teacher, Ann said her most fond memories teaching at Saint Mary’s were her yearly science fairs and embryology and butterfly projects.

While teaching at Saint Mary’s, Ann was very active in the parish. She served on Parish Council for 20 years, was a Eucharistic Minister for 14 years, helped plan and worked at the church bazaar, and was involved with First Penance and First Communion for 14 years.

Ann was hired by the Dunmore School District in August 2005 and taught third grade there for the past 18 years. While at Dunmore, she was involved in the after-school and summer tutoring programs.

Her most fond memories teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center were working the football games and meeting the great fans, playing in the annual faculty vs. senior basketball games, and playing in the annual student golf tournament.

Ann continues to live in Dunmore with her husband Bob, who is retired. A former construction worker, her husband went on to own the Caddy Shack Golf Center, Scranton.

The couple has two children, Bryan and Eileen.

Bryan is a roll-off route manager for Waste Management, Dunmore. A 2006 Dunmore graduate, he is married to the former Kearson Crockenberg. The couple has two children, Norah and Lilah.

Eileen, a 2011 Holy Cross graduate, is administrator of Allied Terrace Personal Care Home.

Ann enjoys reading and belongs to a book club. She is a member of Elmhurst Country Club Women’s Golf Association and a past president. She enjoys long walks, yoga, gardening, and making memories with her grandchildren.

Her late grandmother, Elizabeth Walsh, and her sister, Alice Murray, were both teachers in the Dunmore School District.

Hard-working and conscientious, Ann always has a warm, genuine respect for the students in her class. She utilizes a hands-on approach through activities and technology.

Her final day in the classroom is June 8.

“I’m humbled,” she said. “I always loved what I do. I love teaching.

“I struggled with this decision to retire, but I want some time to live now and spend time with my grandchildren and family.

“I always tell children when people praise them for who they are, to keep those qualities. I see my former students as adults now and they have those same good qualities.

“Respect is very important in life. To do the right thing. That’s how I was raised and what I taught my students.

“I’ve been blessed with wonderful students, colleagues, teachers and administrators.

“I love teaching and I love people.”