Pennsauken resident Marilyn Larke was among the 15 educators who received the “Teacher as Hero Award” for 2015. The award is presented by the National Liberty Museum and sponsored by State Farm.
The National Liberty Museum invited fellow educators, school administrators, students, and community members to share stories of teachers who have made a positive impact in the community. Community members were asked to nominate educators who foster an appreciation for diversity in the classroom; teach students how to resolve conflicts respectfully; give students a deeper understanding of the relationship between rights and responsibilities; honor the student voice in the classroom and in public spaces; take risks in order to remove an obstacle to a student’s liberty; incorporate the above concepts in their relationships with colleagues and community members; or demonstrate excellence in teaching teen driver safety or an auto safety initiative. After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions, the judging was then done by the National Liberty Museum’s leadership in consultation with State Farm.
Larke, who teaches Business Technology for the Legal Assistant program at the Pennsauken campus of the Camden County Technical School, focuses on law, ethics and character education as part of her lessons to 10th and 11th graders. She was nominated for the award by one of her students, Xiomara Colon.
“Mrs. Larke insures that we are able to succeed as long as we have good morals and self-confidence. Building our own character is something she works on everyday in our class,” wrote Colon.
“Mrs. Larke is a remarkable teacher who tells us about the world around us and how we can begin to change it if we stand for what we believe in. In the two years of knowing Mrs. Larke, I learned that her purpose wasn’t to tell us her story, but to help us find our own.”
“Every year, we cover a lot of things that focus on diversity, conflict, reflection, what it means to be a productive citizen in this society. We cover a lot of civic obligations and responsibilities,” says Larke. “It’s important to share information on standing up for what is right. In order to be a productive citizen, you’re charged with that responsibility. Now is the time as young people to encourage that.”
As part of her curriculum, Larke also arranges an annual field trip to the National Liberty Museum. While there, students learn about individuals including Anne Frank, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela, who provide wonderful examples of courage and leadership.
“It’s important for young people to see that in despite of what you may be going through, there are heroes, real heroes, out there making a difference,” explains Larke. “And you can be one of these people.”
Beginning this month, the stories of Larke and the rest of the winners will be displayed in the National Liberty Museum’s Live Like a Hero Gallery for one year, presenting a visually captivating “Teacher as Hero” exhibit for all the public to see. The museum is located at 321 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia, Pa and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.
