Welcome back to Staff Spotlight! Today, we are pleased to feature Maria O’Brien, whose dedication and passion for science education have made a lasting impact across the Port Chester School District.

With 25 years of service in the district, Maria has played a vital role at Park Avenue School, particularly through her work as the school’s Science Specialist. Her science program is hands-on and engaging, centered on authentic investigations that help students explore complex concepts through inquiry, experimentation, and discovery.

Maria especially enjoys teaching units on Mixtures and Solutions, Energy, Motion and Matter, Structures of Life, and Earth and Sun. She values the moments when students’ curiosity is sparked and their excitement for learning comes alive. For Maria, success is measured by student growth, confidence, and achievement, and her impact is evident. This year, fifth-grade proficiency on the New York State Science Assessment increased by 27 percent, a gain attributed in large part to her dedicated instruction.

She is also deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, particularly young women. By sharing her daughter’s journey to becoming an electrical engineer, marked by resilience, leadership, and perseverance, Maria helps students envision themselves in STEM fields and understand that determination can break barriers.

Maria’s influence is felt every day in curious minds, confident learners, and students who see science as exciting, meaningful, and within reach.