Former special education teacher Connie O’Brien served four terms in the Kansas State House of Representatives. Photo: Kansas Legislature

Many fine classroom educators go on to successful careers in politics. One of these is Connie O’Brien, a former special education social studies teacher in Kansas, who was elected to serve in her state’s House of Representatives.

Connie was born on Oct. 12, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri. While she was a young woman, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and Secondary Education from St. Mary College of Leavenworth in 1966. Once her education was completed, she was employed as a special education teacher in Basehor-Linwood schools, and as a substitute teacher in the Leavenworth and McLouth Districts.

Connie inaugurated her career in politics when she was elected on the Republican ticket to represent her state’s 42nd District in 2008. The 42nd District covers the western half of Leavenworth County, including Tonganoxie, Easton, and a portion of Leavenworth, as well as part of Douglas County, including Eudora.

Once elected, Connie served in the Kansas State House for four terms, from 2009 to 2017. While in office, she focussed her work on issues related to education, immigration, energy, and tax reform. She served as the Chair of the Committee on Children and Seniors, and as a member of the Committees on Elections; Energy and Utilities; and Local Government. She also served as the Vice Chair on the Committee for Veterans, Military Affairs, and Homeland Security.

Today, Connie serves as the President of the Leavenworth County Republican Women and the Vice Chair of her local County Party organization. At age 76, she is now retired, and she lives on her family farm in rural Tonganoxie, Kansas, with her husband, Edward.