Mrs. Mary O’Meara has been instated as the new English Language Arts Curriculum Associate following Mr. Kevin Harrington’s retirement earlier this year.  With years of experience as a devoted teacher and supervisor, Mrs. O’Meara looks forward to ensuring the instruction of ELA education remains at its elevated level throughout the school district.  

Sara Gowen: How long have you been in the school district?

Mrs. O’Meara:I worked from 2000-2012 as an ELA teacher and English Department Chairperson in Berner.

G: How long have you been in education?

O: I have been in education for 17 years.

G:What have you done in the past as far as work?  

O: I worked in an accounting department at two law firms prior to becoming a teacher.

G: What inspired you to work in education?

O: When my first child was born and realized I was able to succeed in school and career because of my strong reading and writing skills; while I was at home, I decided to go back to college to get a teaching degree.

G: What is your favorite part about your job?

O: The best part of my current job is providing teachers with information, materials, and support so they can best support the students in their classes.

G: What responsibilities come along with this new job?

O: I am responsible for the ELA curriculum and instruction for kindergarten-12th grade, along with supervising the teachers of ELA, which requires observation and evaluation of lessons.

G: How does this compare with your past tasks?

O: This is similar to the position I held in Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools; there, I was the Chairperson of ELA, Reading, and Library Media, P-12. However, that district is a bit smaller than Massapequa; there are only five schools there, here there are nine.

G: What are you most excited about with this new position?

O: There are many things about which I am excited.  It has been great seeing the students I taught in 7th grade again who are now seniors. Also, being able to work with such talented teachers; I am amazed at the technological advances that have occurred in a relatively short period of time since I left in 2012.  There is great enthusiasm and energy being generated by these tech tools.

G: What are you most worried about?  

O: NYS Department of Education over the past five years has made many changes that have affected the ELA curriculum and instruction; I worry that some children have been affected by that and may not realize the power literacy will have on their lives.  With that said, there have been some terrific changes in ELA that have allowed students at the elementary level to be reading more books and writing more authentic pieces.  I know this will ensure students understand the power of literacy.

G: What are your hopes for the school while you are the ELA Curriculum Associate?

O: I have been working closely with principals and teachers to firm-up some long-term goals.  Right now, with the English Regents weeks away, our department is focusing on the practice Regents and last year’s Regents’ results to target instruction over the next two weeks so students can excel on this exam, and then on any AP exam they are taking in May.

G: What advice would you like to share with incoming students?

O: I don’t know if my advice is needed; it is clear from watching the principals, teachers, students, and other staff that Massapequa Schools are welcoming and provide a myriad of supports and opportunities.  I encourage new students to take advantage of all the curricular and extracurricular activities to build a high school experience that will serve them well in the future, along with provide them with cherished, high school memories.

Mrs. O’Meara wants to extend an open invitation to any student who has any questions to send her an email.  

Welcome back Mrs. O’Meara!