Emily O'Brien, principal of Plainedge's Eastplain Elementary School, recently received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation's highest commendation for K-12 math and science teachers. Only four teachers in each state receive this award, one each in elementary math and science, and one each in secondary math and science.

O'Brien was invited to Washington D.C. March 19-23 for six days of meetings and seminars with other winners, as well as national legislators and education policy-makers. She will attend a congressional hearing, a Congressional Breakfast, and a State Department dinner, as well as an awards ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The initial selection of six math teachers and six science teachers per state is conducted by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and The Council of State Science Supervisors. As candidates for the Presidential Award, these twelve teachers are recognized by the national program. From this group, one science and one math teacher at each level are selected by a national committee of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators. In addition to the fully paid trip to Washington, and a Citation signed by the President, each recipient receives a $7,500 grant from the National Science Foundation to promote math and science education at their school.

Prior to joining the Plainedge Schools in August 2001, O'Brien taught sixth-grade and headed the Project Challenge Program for Gifted Students in the Plainview/Old Bethpage District. She is an expert in integrating the teaching of math, science and technology in the elementary classroom and has participated in two federally funded projects sponsored by the National Science Foundation. One focused on developing leadership in middle school mathematics, and the second on integrating the teaching of math, science and technology in elementary school. She has also taught numerous staff workshops, and is an adjunct professor at C.W. Post College, where she teaches courses in the methods and materials for teaching science in the elementary schools. She and her husband are parents of four children.