Michael T. O'Connor

Always Learning. Director of Outreach & PD at @RocheCenter @BostonCollege | PhD @bclynchschool | @CLEatND Coyle Fellow | @NotreDame alum | Views my own. he/him

[Denise Ball, Ed.D @DeniseBall_EDU]

I am excited to share that Dr. Nicci Dowd and I, as Marymount University faculty, have been invited to return to Oxford in March to present the next phase of our research at the Oxford Education Research Symposium for scholarly dialogue and peer review.

What makes this opportunity especially meaningful is that we will bring the collective work, wisdom, and perspectives of our entire 2027 Research Team to the conversation.

I am honored to work alongside Dr. Nicci Dowd, Dr. Joy Roberts, Dr. Jim Rigg, Dr. LaTonya White, Dr. Aliya Holmes, Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling, Dr. Christina Mendez-Hall, Dr. Michael O’Connor, Karina Lepkowski, Lynsie Reavis, and Amanda Zingone as we continue this research focused on creating and sustaining school cultures where educators thrive.

This work represents the culminating phase of a three-year research journey exploring the relationship between leadership, school culture, professional learning, belonging, and educator retention.

Our goal has always been larger than simply studying these ideas. We want to translate the research into practical strategies that school leaders can use.

This work will culminate in a manuscript written for school leaders, bringing together research, lived experiences, practical strategies, and examples to help leaders intentionally build and sustain positive school cultures where educators and students can flourish.

I am grateful for this remarkable team, for Marymount University, and for the opportunity to continue learning alongside scholars and educational leaders from around the world.

There is much work ahead, and I am excited for the conversations, collaboration, and learning that will shape what comes next.

#SchoolCulture #TeacherRetention #EducationalLeadership #EducationResearch #MarymountUniversity #Oxford #Belonging #EducatorWellbeing

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

Roche Center team members are proud to join the Catholic Education Special Interest Group (SIG) community in Los Angeles for the @AERA_EdResearch #AERA2026 Annual Meeting.

@bclynchschool

[Michael T. O'Connor @mtpoc]

See you in Minneapolis for #NCEA2026!

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

See you next week in Minneapolis for #NCEA2026!

Members of the Roche Center team are thrilled to be presenting at the @NCEATALK Convention in five sessions on topics from Hispanic parent engagement & boards to whole-child/teacher education and collaborative learning cultures.

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

Thank you to @NCEATALK for this wonderful recognition! We are thrilled to be the recipients of this year's Dr. Karen M. Ristau Innovations Award!

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

In the latest issue of Ignatian Pedagogy in Practice, @mtpoc lifts the curtain on how inquiry-based formation, cura personalis, & communal and spiritual elements form the basis of our Empowering Educators Teacher Leadership Academy.

Read the article here: https://t.co/UL6d3Crjvt

[LitWorld @litworldsays]

Last week we shared the news of our dear friend Dr. Ernest Morrell's passing. Dr. Morrell's lifelong work was literacy, and we are honored that his family has decided to direct donations in memory of him to LitWorld, in the spirit of continuing his legacy. https://t.co/DTYaCsCVuL

[Boston College @BostonCollege]

🎙️ @RocheCenter Program Director Dr. Michael O’Connor joined the @jesuitnews' AMDG podcast to share his reaction to the @pontifex's letter on Catholic education and how Catholic schools are responding to challenging times with creativity and boldness.
https://t.co/K9XMKFxpli

[Michael T. O'Connor @mtpoc]

@briangpaulson @BostonCollege @RocheCenter Thanks for sharing!

[Fr. Brian Paulson, S.J. @briangpaulson]

On the new #AMDG pod, Dr. Michael O’Connor, of @BostonCollege's @RocheCenter, shares his reaction to the new letter from Pope Leo on Catholic education and how Catholic schools are responding to our challenging times with creativity and boldness. https://t.co/afQVw3GwlW

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

In the latest episode of the @jesuitnews's AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast, @mtpoc discusses four significant takeaways from Pope Leo's apostolic letter on Catholic education, "Drawing New Maps of Hope."

Listen to the podcast here: https://t.co/4YSHN1p0Cv

[Jesuit News @jesuitnews]

On the new #AMDG pod, Dr. Michael O’Connor, of @BostonCollege's @RocheCenter, shares his reaction to the new letter from Pope Leo on Catholic education and how Catholic schools are responding to our challenging times with creativity and boldness.

🎧 https://t.co/ZTeicEV8hw

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

Last month, @mtpoc of the Roche Center joined the @hnparishschool in West Roxbury, MA for their fall professional development day!

@CSOboston

[Andy Hargreaves @HargreavesBC]

In the country with a 70 yr tradition of teacher collaboration I was honored to feature in a roundtable launch of the translation of Collaborative Professionalism with @mtpoc at @ECNUER last week @EcnuE @CorwinPress @bclynchschool @arceducation1 @uOttawaEdu @joelwestheimer 🇨🇳🇨🇦

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

Proposals are being accepted for the 3rd GRACE International Colloquium at @BostonCollege next June! Submit a 500-word abstract by Monday, December 1st, 2025 and find out more here: https://t.co/EKe1CItHvx

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

This week, our team gathered to reflect on the upcoming year, centered on our commitment to bringing about a socially just & equitable world as contemplatives in action. Our prayers are with Catholic school educators & their communities as they rest & prepare for the new year!

[Boston College @BostonCollege]

The @RocheCenter for Catholic Education and Boston College Ireland have teamed up to cultivate mission-driven leaders for Catholic schools across Ireland. https://t.co/sI2iLIduMF

[Michael T. O'Connor @mtpoc]

@WX1BOX Multiple trees down partially blocking the road on Rt 10 approaching Park Ave in Cranston

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

Didn't catch the Roche Center Register e-newsletter in your email inbox last week?

Click the link (next reply) to view the full Register e-newsletter to learn more about our professional learning & program offerings, and all of the recent news & updates from the Roche Center.

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

As our current @CristoRey Teacher Leadership Academy cohort comes to a close, we’re thrilled to share this feature of Anna Chapin written by her school, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Congratulations on all of your good work and ongoing leadership development, Anna!

[BC Roche Center @RocheCenter]

Interested in a free professional learning opportunity this summer? Looking for an engaging & relevant summer read? Hoping to connect with fellow Catholic school educators and leaders?

You’ve come to the right place — learn more about the Roche Center’s virtual Summer Book Club!