A National Honor for Ms. Zeitlin

For more than 20 years, Smithtown High School East Science Research Coordinator Maria Zeitlin has been a leader in science research on Long Island. Now, her dedication to chemistry, research and student discovery has earned her one of the highest honors a high school chemistry educator can receive in the United States.

Zeitlin has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2027 James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching by the American Chemical Society (ACS)!

Supported by an endowed fund established by the Journal of Chemical Education and ChemEd X, the national award recognizes outstanding chemistry educators who have made a transformative impact on students, advanced innovative approaches to chemical education and demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field.

“It’s very special,” Zeitlin said. “It’s recognizing all of what I do with science so it honors chemistry, but it also recognizes the role I played within the research community…I am so proud to represent East.”

Principal Paul McNeil praised Zeitlin’s lasting impact on the school community, saying, “Ms. Zeitlin’s tireless work in both chemistry and scientific research at Smithtown High School East continues to inspire our students and staff. Having her exceptional teaching recognized on a national stage is an incredible milestone for our entire school community.”

SCSD Director of Science Dr. Stephanie O’Brien added, “Some educators teach science, but a rare few transform how students approach it. By building a thriving culture of research from the ground up, she hasn’t just opened doors to discovery; she has created a lasting legacy that will shape students for years to come.”

Congratulations, Ms. Zeitlin, on this extraordinary national honor and for representing Smithtown High School East on the national stage!