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Notes from the teacher’s desk: Chris Maroclo, Vance Elementary

By Sharron Gibson
Education Editor

Chris Maroclo took a bit of an unusual route to becoming a school counselor. Maroclo majored in physical education at the University of Maryland and began her career in education as a P.E. teacher. After 16 years in the classroom and gym, however, she was ready for a change.

Chris Maroclo

“I noticed that a lot of my kids had difficulties, issues going on at home that I really wanted to find out some ways to help them more,” Maroclo said.

Maroclo began graduate school at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore to earn her master’s degree in counseling. While attending graduate school, she also married her husband Jerry, who is a graduate of East Carolina University. The couple investigated job opportunities in North Carolina; the size and demographics of the Wake County Public School System appealed to Maroclo.

Maroclo first came to WCPSS as a P.E. teacher about 10 years ago. She then eased into school counseling through a part-time position. Vance Elementary School always appealed to her because she lives near the school. After gaining experience in several other schools, Maroclo was delighted to find an opportunity to counsel at Vance Elementary.

Maroclo’s philosophy fits well with the school’s view that “children are at the heart of what we do and at the center of the decisions we make.”

“I am definitely child-centered,” she said. “Whatever I can do to support the kids, I want to do – and the teachers because they need support too. I do try to really build rapport with my students. I would say that is really a strength of mine in all the schools I’ve been in.”

Maroclo stresses that counseling should be viewed in a positive light. She makes an effort to get to know each student and as many students’ family members as possible. During her first year at Vance Elementary, one of her goals was for most students to have an opportunity to meet with her during a “lunch bunch” at least once during the school year. She wants all students to know that she is available for them.

“I have kids come to my office that don’t have any issues at all; they just come to visit me,” she said. “I want them to know I am here for them if they ever need me.”

“Chris is a great motivator and mentor for young people,” Vance Elementary principal Don Rose said. “[Her] sensitivity has earned Chris the trust and administration of students, parents and co-workers.”

While an avid bike rider who enjoys spending her free time with her husband and their two Labrador Retrievers, Maroclo’s commitment and open-door policy have her spending long hours at school.

“I love it here,” she said of Vance Elementary. “I have been very lucky with great administrators.”

Apparently, the feeling is mutual for Rose and other Vance Elementary staff.

“She is a valuable member of the Vance learning community.”

Related articles:

• Notes from the Teacher’s Desk: Betty Meikle, East Garner Magnet Middle School
• Spotlight on Student: Chris Blount, Vandora Springs Elementary
• Local Schools to Feel Economic Pinch

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