​Liberty Middle School Teacher Awarded For STEM Education

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players Association last month recognized a West Orange teacher as their "Future Goals Teacher of the Month."

Maria David, a Liberty Middle School science teacher, was given the honorific in November for her work in STEM education with special education students.

In her classroom, David uses "Future Goals," a STEM program sponsored by the NHL and NHLPA and developed in partnership with EVERFI. The program uses gameplay and real-world scenarios to teach kids STEM lessons in a fun setting, according to a release from West Orange School District.

Her students this year have covered lessons about energy and genetics, often supplemented by digital resources like EVERFI.

“I was not the greatest student, but I always found that schools were a safe haven for me," she said. "My experience as a student was meaningful because of many great teachers and mentors I had along the way and I wanted to pay it forward."

David has taught general education and special education students in West Orange for 23 years. She's now using technology to keep things interesting in the virtual classroom.

“I don't like attention, but I do appreciate the recognition," David said of receiving the award. "I work with an amazing team of teachers. We are all working very hard for our students, so I would like to think that this recognition is a nod of appreciation for all of us."