Many educators would agree it takes years of experience to truly
develop a passion for teaching. For Maureen Connolly '97C, '00GEd,
'06Ed.D., that passion was ingrained during the early stages of her
childhood. “I come from a long history of teaching, so it was
second nature for me to be interested in the field my family so
loved,” says Maureen, a proud triple alumnus of St. John’s
University.
Now an English teacher at Mineola High School, Maureen says her
interest in teaching literature grew from a childhood surrounded by
books. “When I was a little girl living in Long Island, I would sit
in on my grandmother’s weekly book group meetings,” explains
Maureen. “Seeing my grandmother’s deep love for reading, and my
grandfather enjoy his life as a book salesman, inspired me to carry
on the family legacy and pursue a career in literature.”
In addition to a placing a heavy emphasis on reading education,
Maureen also stresses the importance and benefits of service
learning – something she learned as a student at St. John’s. “At
St. John’s, I had the opportunity to explore the world while
helping others by participating in study abroad programs and
volunteering to build homes with organizations like Habitat for
Humanity.”
The honoree of this year’s Leaders in Education Awards Dinner
(LEAD), Maureen has received numerous accolades throughout her
career for her dedication and commitment to student success beyond
the classroom. “I try to encourage my students to recognize that
they have a responsibility to change the world. It’s not
enough to make them aware of what’s happening around the world; we
must teach them the ways in which they can make a difference.”
Taking students to plant trees at an environmental center while
they read Of Mice and Men, drawing alphabet books for
adult literacy centers and creating informational posters spreading
the awareness of genocide are just some of the projects she has
incorporated into her classes.
“When engaged in service learning,” she says, “students never
ask why they have to learn something or study a particular book
because they see firsthand how what they’re learning better enables
them to take action or how the book further informs their
understanding of the need for action.”
Maureen, a firm believer in making a direct impact, shares what
has made her so successful for the past twelve years, “I always
believe that what I’m teaching has a greater purpose. I love being
a teacher. Everyday I wake up and I know this is exactly what I’m
supposed to be doing.”