Mary Jo O’Connor, 60, who has lived in Gorham for 33 years, has had a lifelong career in education. She taught at Narragansett Elementary School for 10 ears beginning in 1982. Then, she became principal at the Dyer School in South Portland for eight years. In 2000, O’Connor served as director of educational planning for Portland schools for one year before being named Portland superintendent. She resigned as superintendent in August 2007 after months of high-profile controversy, focused primarily on overspending in the school budget.
These days, O’Connor has returned to the classroom, instructing an introduction to teaching class at the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. At SMCC, O’Connor also assists Bob Wiemont, associate dean for the college’s satellite programs. Satellite education is offered at nine sites as a convenience so students don’t have to travel. Some high school students enroll in satellite courses. At Bonny Eagle, the satellite classes are held at the middle school with one science class taught at the high school, O’Connor said. “We’re impressed with the number of students in Windham and Bonny Eagle,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor said credits are transferable to a four-year university. “It’s the beauty of it,” she said.
She and her husband, Bill, have three adult children and two “grand babies.” She spoke recently with the American Journal about being back in the classroom and how she solves problems.
Q: When did you begin duties at SMCC?
A: About a year ago in December.
Q: Why did you return to teaching after the situation in Portland?
A: I believe in public education. I’ve been in it my whole life. I felt I wasn’t finished yet. This particular job is very fulfilling. The return to teaching has been wonderful. I think it’s what I was born to do.
Q: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance has become an issue at Gorham High School. Do you think the Pledge should be said?
A: I do. It’s a small thing to do and it’s done as part of the morning announcements. I think it’s important to believe in the country in which you live. I believe it’s an important ritual.
Q: Did Portland schools have a policy about the Pledge?
A: There was no policy. Portland and Deering high schools did it and all three middle schools and all elementary schools.
Q: What do you like about living in Gorham?
A: There’s a real sense of community, knowing your neighbors.
Q: Where would you most like to travel?
A: We lived in Asia two years when my husband was in the Air Force. We’re hoping to go to Ireland. We’re hoping to see the rest of this country – the Grand Canyon, Montana. I’d like to do the mountains, the big sky.
Q: What do you read?
A: I love to read. You name it and I read it. I’m re-reading classics like “Jane Eyre.” I listen to books while I’m driving. It’s wonderful getting lost in a book.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My husband and I snowshoe. Deb Loveitt and I walk Pine Point. We’ve done that for years on Saturdays. It’s so beautiful. We solve every problem known to man. I had both of her boys as a first-grade teacher.
Q: How do prospective students find information about the satellite program?
A: You contact enrollment services on ine at
MEnrollmentservices@smccme.edu or call 741-5800.
Q & A with Mary Jo O’Connor – Born to be in school
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