For 36 years, John O’Connor has been committed to students, educators, and the work of public education. He began his career as a special education teacher serving elementary and middle school students with orthopedic impairments. Those early years in the classroom shaped his belief in the power of strong instruction, meaningful supports, and high expectations for every learner.
During his nine years with the Georgia Department of Education, John led statewide initiatives to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. His work guided educators in implementing effective classroom instruction, strong leadership, and aligning practices with research and policy.
In addition to his state-level work, John also served in local school districts in a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Director for Special Education, Executive Director for Special Services, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, and Director for Instructional Support. In each position, he focused on helping schools strengthen instructional practices and create leaders and systems that support all students.
John is the author of five books, including the second edition of Great Instruction, Great Achievement for Students with Disabilities: A Road Map for Special Education Administrators. He has also written a textbook chapter, three desk guides, and numerous articles on educational leadership and instructional improvements.
Since retiring, John has continued to support teachers and administrators across the country. He has provided training, school visits, and coaching to over one thousand groups from Hawaii to New York, helping teams strengthen instruction, refine systems, and improve outcomes for students.
