Hi MTA Family!
I’m Ms. Sheila O’Connor. I am teaching 7th grade English Language Arts and a creative writing elective.
I’m originally from Buffalo, New York, but have called Phoenix home for over 20 years now. I received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from SUNY Geneseo. Then, I received a Masters’ of Science in elementary education from Buffalo State College. Finally, I have masters’ certificate in museum studies and graduate classes in English and English as a Second Language from Arizona State University.
During the summer of 2023, I travelled with the Arizona geography alliance to eastern and northern Arizona to learn about the early pioneer families in Arizona. In the summer of 2018, I also attended the summer institute for the geography alliance to study the impact of mining and the Colorado River. Following the summer institutes, the Arizona geography alliance provided several other opportunities to continue my studies of Arizona history and cultures. Although I have lived in Arizona for a long time, I still enjoy the opportunity to travel throughout the state to find interesting historic and archaeology sites.
I love teaching! I’ve been teaching for more than 20 years in public schools and have taught social studies, English language arts, and English as a Second Language (ESL). I have also taught English abroad in Korea for a year. I have primarily taught in large junior high schools or middle schools. Prior to joining the Madison Elementary School District, I taught 6th grade at Isaac Middle School for eight years in Phoenix.
Outside of teaching, I have a wide interest and range in hobbies and activities. I love to travel and create adventures. I love the arts. I often attend various events around the valley, such as a Broadway shows, music concerts, the symphony, the opera, the ballet, or really any creative event that strikes an interest. I also love going to and supporting our local museums. Two of my favorite Arizona locations of interest are the Arizona Science Center and the Desert Botanical Garden. In the cooler Arizona months, you are likely to find me on a number of Arizona trails hiking. The friendships that I have formed in Arizona have created strong bonds to this city. I enjoy Phoenix and all of the cultural events it has to offer all year.
My family and friends are important to me. I come from a very active and social family. I have one brother, two sisters, four nieces and three nephews who I very much enjoy visiting back in New York in the summer and winter breaks. My parents enjoy visiting me in the cooler months because the Arizona summer is just too hot for them. Overall, I love the warm Arizona climate, the mountains, and the people here.
I enjoy teaching at MTA. The traditional curriculum focused on British and American Literature suits me very well. I enjoy teaching Literature and I am excited to share my love of the English language with my students.
I can’t wait to learn and grow with you in the upcoming school year!
Ms. O’Connor
925 East Maryland Avenue
Phoenix AZ 85014
Room 207 Phone: 602-745-4051