Marilyn

I’ve been thinking about…

Marilyn.

Marilyn Roessler was an educational innovator.  She was team teaching, running reading workshops, and directing outdoor education programs long before these best practices were commonly embraced. But it was as a teacher of the gifted that I so fondly remember this highly gifted woman.

Decades ago, Marilyn understood the visionary theories and practices in gifted education promoted by Joe Renzulli — a wonder in his own right. She was an early and enthused participant in Joe Renzulli’s and Sally Reis’s CONFRATUTE summer program for teachers held at UConn. Years later, Marilyn encouraged me to go, and that week did indeed impact my work with middle schoolers as she told me it would. 

We were blessed to have had three magical years working together as we provided unique programming for gifted middle school students.  Her vision was encapsulated in what she dubbed the PRISM program.  PRISM: Performance Reveals Individual Student Magic.  

Joe considers three factors in the development of gifted behavior.  His Renzulli 3 Ring conception of gifted behavior includes above-average intelligence, creativity, and task commitment.  The PRISM program was grounded in that theory. 

The PRISM program did not test kids in — or out.  It did provide a range of intellectual stimulation that intrinsically motivated kids could dive into.  Kids chose to research and develop projects on topics that interested them.  Marilyn set up what would grow into our involvement in National History Day.  Students incorporated their talents as artists, actors, musicians to create dynamic performances. With programs like Future Problem Solving (FPS) they learned how to work as a team member, capitalizing on their “gifts” as they relied on the strengths of teammates to “fill their gaps.”  

Marilyn was an early advocate of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory.  Contrary to what kids are inculcated to believe in school settings, none of us is truly the straight-A student in everything.  “Know Thyself” is a key to success. Capitalize on your strengths, fill your gaps with your own efforts, and the willingness to work with others. 

As the district grew, Marilyn stayed in the original middle school, and I moved to the new middle school to run the PRISM program there.  For several more years, we were cross-town colleagues, ever supportive and always ready for some fun.

Marilyn retired, first to California, then Pennsylvania, then Florida.  We remained great friends.  In September, we finally had a chance to visit thanks to vaccines and some easing of Covid worries. She was as sharp as ever – fully engaged in life.  Her hip was aching her, but she was due for a replacement — something she willingly anticipated. 

The surgery in November went well, but a subsequent fall wreaked havoc. She died in early December.  

It is still hard for me to accept.  Her parents had lived into their late 90s.  I thought Marilyn would live forever.  She was such a force of nature. 

I am thinking a lot about Marilyn.  She was my mentor.  My colleague (“partner in crime,” as she would say).  She was my dear friend.