This week’s Gold Star Teacher is Stefano Marazzi, from Douglas Park Community Elementary School
- Nominated by Jennifer Tolonics:
“There are not enough hours in a day to thank this humble man for all he does and is. He teaches in the most inner-city of schools in our district and truly is the heart of the school. He is the first to arrive every morning to patrol the school grounds and rouse the transient population who have nowhere else to sleep but on school grounds. He often greets them with a hot cup of coffee and always takes the time to humanize an inhumane situation. He is often the last to leave as he spends after school time helping his students who just need that extra time and attention. He has visited their homes and arranged hot meals when he knows families go without. He lives and breathes compassion with every breath.
When our daughter joined his class, she could hardly speak aloud and through his patience and encouragement, she has found her voice and the courage to use it.
I have seen him sneak lunches to students who have none, often foregoing his own. In a world where violence and bullying are so prominent in schools, he has managed to create and nurture a village within a school that I have never seen elsewhere.
Though it is a secular, public school, he exudes a humble Grace that could never be present without Christ. We thank God every day that he was brought into our lives and the lives of all he touches. We truly are blessed.”
- PRAISE wants to help recognize your awesome K-12 teachers through Gold Star Teacher! Nominate your favorite K-12 teacher today!
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