- December 22, 2025
Bunnell Elementary School Teacher of the Year Hayley Marino is in her fifth year as a school counselor. This year, she is the counselor for kindergarten and fourth grade at BES.
Marino was raised in Flagler County and wanted to give back to one of the four Flagler County schools she attended — Wadsworth and Bunnell elementary schools, Buddy Taylor Middle School and Flagler Palm Coast High School. She has now worked at three of them.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I decided to become a school counselor when I first worked as a temporary paraprofessional (at Rymfire!) and had the opportunity to see what it was like working in a school — and I loved it! I was attending UCF Daytona for my bachelor's of psychology degree at the time and knew I wanted to have a career focusing on my passion for advocating for mental health and helping others. When I learned about school counseling, I realized that I can merge these two aspirations together while having a career that truly makes an impact.
Being raised in Flagler County and attending WES, BES, BTMS and FPC as a student, when I decided to be a school counselor I knew immediately that I wanted to serve one of these schools to give back to the community that made me who I am today — and I can proudly say that I've worked for BTMS, WES and now BES.
How does the nomination make you feel?
I feel so beyond honored! The nomination alone for (Flagler County) Teacher of the Year pleasantly surprised me but the coolest part was that I was nominated alongside my fifth grade teacher (Mrs. Jamie Lambert when I attended BES!), and one of the people I lean on most in my Student Services team, our behavior interventionist Mrs. Jerri Berry. I look up to both of these phenomenal educators and seeing their names next to my nomination was a moment that had me thinking, "I made it.”
What is your favorite thing about being a school counselor?
My favorite thing is definitely the connections I get to create with my students. Each year we get to loop up with our student groups and I love it because it gives us the opportunity as school counselors to build/maintain those relationships with the students and their families every year. As an example, I've been with my students who are currently in fourth grade since they were in first grade, and it's amazing seeing the growth each student has made. I feel like I genuinely know each one of my students and having their trust as well as their families' trust solidifies why I do what I do.
What is one thing you are taking away from this experience?
One thing I'm taking away is complete gratitude. With entering this career at a younger age and working alongside amazing educators who taught and inspired me while growing up, imposter syndrome often sneaks up on me, and receiving this honor proves to myself that the work I do is making a difference. Having the honor to represent Flagler Schools, the district that raised me, makes me so incredibly proud and filled with gratitude.
Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated?
My BES Student Services team truly keeps me motivated. When the days are tough, I know I can count on them to help me problem solve, come together to support our students, and of course when I need a therapy session with someone who truly understands. I truly believe I work with the best Student Services team in our district. Oh, and humor. Always have to find the positive things and laugh so we don't cry!
What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students?
There was one time when myself and our behavior interventionist were working with a student who shared that he was struggling to trust us. At the time, hearing this really hurt my counselor heart as trust is often a key aspect in the work that we do. But it also helped me self reflect and realize that trust doesn't always come naturally in meeting with students. It takes time to build, be open with each other, and it's important to always show unconditional positive regard even when situations feel difficult. The student did eventually begin to trust us and it took us weekly meetings and us being fully open to hearing from him directly what we can do on our part to build his trust. From this experience, I always approach my students with an open mind and heart to hear how they would like me to support them.
If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be?
It would be to always give yourself grace. When I work with fifth graders and do my final lesson with them to prepare them for middle school, I always end my lesson with this statement because there's so much power in treating ourselves with kindness and patience. We do not know what we do not know, but we will learn and that's OK!
Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life?
Aside from my job, I love spending time with my loved ones, including my dog! Anyone that knows me, knows two things: that I have a huge family and I'm a major dog person. I love spending time with my fiancé, my family and my friends — they keep me rooted. My dog is a rescue so he comes with issues, but I enjoy helping him be his best self. So, I enjoy being a school counselor to my dog too!
