M. O'Grady-Jones

About Me

Educational Background:

BS- Elementary Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
MS-Ed-Instructional Technology, Northern Illinois University
Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction- Educational Technology, University of South Carolina
National Board Certified 2003-2013, 2013-2023, 2023-2028

Experience: I have been a teacher for over 30 years. Much of my work has been centered around education of gifted and talented students. I was driven toward gifted education through the realization that some students just needed more --more challenge, more rigorous work, more opportunities to explore their world and their interests. I have grown to believe that the strategies used for gifted students are good for all students. I am proud to be a part of a school that is applying gifted strategies to all students.

I have a masters in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University. In the course of the masters program, I learned the foundations of instructional design. This work guides much of what I do as a teacher. I was a graduate assistant for The Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education. This experience taught me about the constantly changing skills students need to be successful in any career they choose.

As a South Carolina teacher, I have completed National Board Certification twice, in 2003 and again in 2012. In 2014, I was a Teacher Ambassador in China, where I worked in the Total Immersion Methodology Program, sharing effective strategies for English teachers in Shijiazhuang and Handan, China. Through mentoring our robotics team for the last 8 years, I have witnessed the importance of student self-direction and discovery. Over the last 6 years, I have worked with Winthrop University as a mentor teacher for both field experience students and interns who are completing their student teaching. We work under a co-teaching model, sharing classroom responsibilities. Family:

I am married to Marshall Jones. He is a professor at Winthrop University’s College of Education. We have one daughter, Meghan, she lives in New York City and is working as a chemist. We enjoy traveling, learning new cultures and skills, and making new friends.

Interesting Facts:

My mother taught me to knit when I was 12 years old. I have several knitting projects going on and often have a project stashed in my bag. I am an avid reader. I loved the Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games. I enjoy reading historical fiction- probably because it allows me to travel to different times and cultures. I am working on improving my skills as at drawing and watercolor painting. I also play guitar (I am not good at it yet) - always a learner!

Pictures from Kayaking in the canals of Venice.