Chipperfield Elementary teacher Ms. Maronpot and her children are pictured above.
Teacher feature on Ms. Maronpot
What school do you teach at?
Chipperfield Elementary School #Chipperfieldstrong
What Subject(s) do you teach?
All! I teach Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Science, Social Studies and Math. :)
What is the best lesson you have ever taught?
G’day, mate! I’ll never forget the first time my students responded to that welcoming hello! Being able to take my students out of the 4 walls of our classroom has always been something that excites and motivates me! There’s nothing like seeing their thrill and enthusiasm when I’m able to help them to experience something they may have otherwise never been able to!
When I first started teaching, technology was just becoming a part of learning. There was no such thing as FaceTiming someone or even Skyping! Virtual field trips were a brand new concept, yet something that truly intrigued me! When I came across an article about an aquarium in Australia that had scuba divers in the water connecting live with children using virtual field trip equipment, I knew I would do anything I could to make it an opportunity my students could experience!
Anyone that knows me well, knows my true passion for the beach! So, this was a win-win…a super cool experience for my students that was also something I’m super passionate about myself! My students started by researching animals and plants of the Great Barrier Reef. We did small group book studies in guided reading, wrote research reports and created 3d replicas of the topics that were researched! We had an entire reef of knowledge and awesomeness! The culminating lesson was a LIVE field trip with scuba divers, in the water, in the world’s largest living reef aquarium in Townsville, Queensland, Australia! Granted, my students had to come back at night for the experience since our time zones are so different! The parents were excited and more than willing to bring their entire family along for this awesome experience!
Once connected, my students were able to learn, observe and chat with scuba divers underwater in real-time, thanks to their high tech gear! I’ll never forget when they first connected, and we could simply hear the breathing of the scuba divers — as if we were watching Finding Nemo! It was a super cool experience I will always hold close to my heart.
Why do you enjoy teaching?
Why do I love teaching? That answer is simple. The little smiling faces sitting in front of me. I cherish the relationships of every child and family that cross my path. Being a teacher might just be a job on paper, but it’s a creative work of art, communication, inspiration and building relationships. It’s the student who calls you mom by mistake, the artwork you find that a 9-year -old doodled about how much they love you, the first time you can “see” a child get it, and the ability to inspire little minds. I love my job. I love my students. And, I’m grateful and proud to be an elementary school teacher.
How long have you been teaching in the Stroudsburg Area School District?
In my first few years of teaching, I was a 3rd grade teacher at Morey Elementary School. I absolutely loved teaching there and developed many lifelong friendships with teachers I worked with! When Stroudsburg Intermediate Elementary School started, I moved up with the 3rd grade teachers. I wanted to stay in the grade that I had taught and loved so much. A handful of years later, I was fortunate enough to loop with my 3rd graders to 4th grade! That was an awesome experience! I continued as a 4th grade teacher ever since! In total, I taught 3rd grade for 12 years and I have taught 4th grade for the last 8!
Where did you grow up?
Have you ever heard of the Crayola Factory? Well, the true factory was just miles down the road from where I grew up in Forks Township! Sports were ALWAYS a huge part of my life growing up in Easton! From kindergarten through middle school, I was a cheerleader, played softball, basketball and field hockey. In high school, I switched from field hockey to volleyball and also joined the track team! I lived and breathed sports…which turned out to be beneficial when I graduated from Easton Area High School, because I scored a full ride to college, thanks to sports!
Michelle Bruzzese • Feb 27, 2021 at 10:59 AM
Aww! Mrs. Maronpot! So many fond memories of Daniel’s third grade year! The Great Barrier Reef, journals, the meals for Ronald McDonald House, Read Across America week when we were invited to read to the class, student VIP where they received their books as an end-of-year gift❤️,everything Hawaii! I still can’t hear Over the Rainbow on the ukele and not think of you! My now senior loved you! Thank you for your impact on so many children and their families?
Tiffany Colon • Feb 25, 2021 at 11:33 AM
You are an awesome teacher! I am so happy that my son is able to have such caring and enthusiastic leader like you. We love your leadership skills. You Rock!
Maggie Augugliaro • Feb 6, 2021 at 11:46 AM
My Jackie was fortunate to have Mrs. Maronpot for the years that she looped in 3rd and 4th grade! It was a wonderful experience! I remember that virtual field trip and speak of it often! I brought Max and Angie with us that night and we all had a magical time!!