Educator Of The Month: Patricia Mauro

Patricia Mauro was surprised to be one of the 44 educators nominated for the Anne Arundel County Public and Independent School Teachers of the Year.

Mauro, who serves as the science department chair at the Arnold-based Severn River Middle School, or SRMS, said she’s honored to be nominated.

“There are a number of wonderful teachers at SRMS to choose from,” Mauro said. “I couldn’t believe they chose to nominate me.”

Scott Manbeck, who serves as the principal at Severn River, is not surprised Mauro was nominated for the award.

“Mrs. Mauro is passionate about science and shares her enthusiasm with her students through engaging lessons that stimulate critical thinking, while also making learning fun,” Manbeck said. “As our science department chairperson, she strives to ensure that all teachers in her department have both the support and resources needed to help them successfully teach their students.”

Mauro’s leadership role requires her to oversee the school’s science teachers, and she supports them with instructional walkthroughs, collaborative planning, assessment analysis and purchasing supplies for lab activities.

While this is Mauro’s first time nominated as an Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year for the Excellence in Education awards, it’s not her first time recognized for her teaching. In 2016, she was nominated for West County Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year for the chamber’s Spirit of the Community awards.

Mauro began her career in Millersville as a sixth and seventh grade science teacher at Old Mill Middle South in 2013. After five years at that school, she spent two years as the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) department chair at Lindale Middle School in Linthicum. She’s now in her third year at her current location.

“I was inspired to become a science teacher by my middle school science teacher who always made science fun and exciting,” said Mauro, who enjoyed learning about how the world works and now loves teaching the same concepts.

For Mauro, middle school is definitely her niche.

“I enjoy being able to support students during the formative middle school years and watch them gain confidence and independence in their learning,” Mauro said.

Just last year, Mauro led the initiative to get Severn River recertified as a Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Green School. She’s currently participating in the Terrapin Head Start program with Arlington Echo, and their class terrapin’s name is Pickles.

“My after-school club helps me collect measurements to track Pickles’ growth every week as well as clean the tank,” Mauro said.

Her class is scheduled to take a field trip to release Pickles on Poplar Island in the Chesapeake Bay where it originally hatched.

“I love that education offers the opportunity to engage students in extracurricular activities where they can develop skills in areas of their interest,” Mauro said.

Mauro also feels fortunate to be married to another educator in the school system who supports her extra endeavors.

If she is named a semifinalist or wins the county award, she will advance to the Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition. Semifinalists are slated to be announced in late December, and finalists will be chosen from that group and announced in late February or early March next year.

Manbeck recognizes what Mauro brings to the school.

“With a genuine smile, she is always ready to help our students and her fellow colleagues to become their best,” Manbeck said. “Severn River Middle School is truly fortunate to have her as a teacher and as a leader in our school.”

Cafe Mezzanotte is a proud sponsor of Educator of the Month. To nominate a teacher, guidance counselor, principal or other educator, email spvnews@severnaparkvoice.com.