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WHO IS MR. MARIN? |
Biography: George Marin, Principal
Freedom Elementary School
719.228.0800
New Freedom Elementary principal George Marin is excited that he’ll spend the next year helping craft a school from design to completion – an opportunity few educators get to realize. “It will be a great challenge to create a vision and the conditions that build trust, confidence and credibility. My goal is for this school to be built on academic and instructional priorities and to be recognized as an important extension of the community.”
The safe, nurturing environment in which he was raised had a lifelong impact on Marin, which is why it is vital for him to provide the same for his students. “I grew up in an all Mexican neighborhood immediately west of Chicago, the oldest of six children, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Everywhere I went, neighbors knew me or my family. This ethnic community was much like a small town despite its inner-city location.” As a result, he had a strong sense of belonging and plans to work hard to shape a nurturing environment for the new school, one based on academic rigor that also supports the social and emotional needs of all students.
Education played an important role in his community, and he has fond memories of his own school years – “especially my eighth grade teacher, Mr. Salaski, who badgered, harassed and demanded my best. He instilled in me a sense of confidence that serves me to this day.”
Before becoming an educator, Marin held a variety of jobs ranging from carpenter’s apprentice to licensed psychotherapist. At D-11, where he has spent his entire career, he has been a social worker, supervisor and coordinator of Drug Free Schools programs and the Student Performance and Achievement Initiative, special education supervisor, assistant principal and finally principal of Penrose Elementary for the last six years. In fact, his proudest moment as an educator was his appointment to the Penrose principalship, an experience he was able to share with his wife and parents.
Marin is a passionate and vocal advocate for public education. “Despite the many critics and areas that we all need to improve, we belong to a noble and honorable enterprise. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that the opportunity to inspire, motivate and celebrate each student’s academic, social and emotional growth is a gift and privilege. Public education serves our country by preparing young people for a democratic and civic life, and a quality education is central to the transfer of our culture from one generation to the next. Public schools continue to underpin the foundation of our country by providing the means for participating productively in our society.”
During his 21 years in public education, Marin has witnessed many changes, notably higher expectations of students and teachers and a greater sense of accountability. “The technical skills of teachers have improved dramatically, and scientific and research-based methods of instruction and assessment have had an enormous impact. Parents are more informed consumers and involved stakeholders as well. In the past, we measured and monitored our teaching; today, we measure and monitor student learning.”
Marin has been married to Julia, a retired D-11 administrator, for 15 years. They are members of the Wagon Trails community. In his free time he likes to exercise, spend time with family and walk and play with his dog.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the school of Human Resources, Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; a Master’s degree in Social Work from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Ill.; and a Type D Principal Certification from Denver University.