This week I sit down with the one and only Maximus, AKA Mr. Mark Verrona. Mr. Verrona has been a teacher for 22 years...19 of which have been here in Tallmadge City Schools. He is one PROUD DAD!! He has 3 kids: Megan who is 12, Benjamin who is 10, and Violet who is 9. When not busy with the joys of fatherhood he likes to go for a run, catch a movie (click to see what his favorite movie is), or play some cards...and then pound some Gionino's pizza, his favorite food.
When he was in high school he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in the “real world.” After high school he decided to volunteer at Kent Roosevelt (his alma mater) and work with the track team. Within that environment he learned the value of hard work and relationships. This inspired him to become a teacher.
Mr. Verrona’s classroom is a place of joy, where kids are encouraged to be themselves. His best piece of advice for everyone of his students is to “be themselves.” His desire is to create an environment where students feel loved and appreciated. And he does this well.
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
This is Mr. Verrona’s life quote. This is the standard by which he lives his life, and by which he approaches his calling in education. He gives his best each and every day. He is another example of the amazing people that work here in Tallmadge City Schools.
To see all that Mr. Verrona does in the classroom and the many creative activities he involves his students in follow him on Twitter: @VerronaMark
