State Honors Ward Melville Teacher Pam O’Brien

Beloved Ward Melville High School mathematics teacher Pam O’Brien has been selected as an Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award winner and was recently presented with a check for $5,000 by New York's Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul during a surprise, in-class, ceremony.

“On behalf of the school district, I am extremely proud that the extraordinary talents of one of our district’s teachers has once again been recognized at the state level,” said Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Pedisich, who was present during the ceremony. “Ms. O’Brien instills a love of mathematics in each of her students and her passion for teaching is evident the moment you enter her classroom.”

The award recognizes educational leaders who "exemplify the professional work of thousands of outstanding, progressive teachers and innovative educators striving to attain New York standards and success for all of their students.” The monetary grant will be used for opportunities for continued learning and professional endeavors.

Ms. O’Brien, who has previously been named a New York State Master Teacher, is a well-versed educator who has been teaching for the past 28 years. She currently teaches Math 10 Honors Theory and Advanced Placement statistics. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in mathematics from SUNY Binghamton and a master’s degree in Education from Dowling College. Ms. O’Brien, along with her husband and three children, are all graduates of Ward Melville.

“I feel honored that I have been given the opportunity to teach in the community that I call home,” said Ms. O’Brien. “I work with an awesome group of colleagues, as well as an extremely supportive administration who have always encouraged and supported my endeavors. Most of all, I have been fortunate to work with students who constantly inspire me to be an even better teacher. Receiving this award will allow me to keep growing professionally so that I can keep bringing new ideas and innovations to the classroom.”

Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District: Ward Melville High School mathematics teacher Pam O’Brien (third from left) was named an Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award winner. She is pictured here with (l-r) Board of Education President William F. Connors Jr., mathematics lead Donald Ambrose, New York's Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Ward Melville Principal Dr. Alan Baum, Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Pedisich and Assistant Principal Kevin Finnerty.