Dawn Marie O’Connor teaches seventh- and eighth-grade science courses, including life science, physical science, and accelerated science, at Asencion Solorsano Middle School in Gilroy, CA.Ms. O’Connor has been teaching for thirteen years and has held her current position for three years. She is the middle school’s science department chairperson and the science fair facilitator.Ms. O’Connor has taught science at the middle school level to second language learners and developed a curriculum to support beginning English speakers. Currently she serves on the County science committee as the Gifted and Talented liason for her site, as well as the school site council.
Ms. O’Connor is known as spirited and fun, with a passion for teaching and working collaboratively with others. To inspire teachers and students to participate in the local science fair, she arranged to have a board member from the sponsoring organization talk to faculty and students. Her students now regularly win local and State awards at the science fair. She is known as a flexible individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. She has an established relationship with a local foundation that funds educational projects within the schools. She has developed an Advanced Student Research Program where students conduct lengthy research projects under a mentor. She has also established scholarships to San Jose State University's Youth in Science Research Camp and TechTrek at Stanford University.
Ms. O’Connor was awarded the California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year Award and also received congressional recognition for her service and teaching.
Ms. O’Connor holds a Professional Clear Multiple Subject Credential with a Crosscultural Language and Academic Development certificate and supplemental authorization in the sciences (biology, life, and physical sciences) and physical education. She has a B.S. in biology from California State University Humboldt and attended California State University San Jose for the Multiple Subject Credential Program.