Stephen O’Connor

Dr. Stephen O’Connor brings years of experience in public education to the Concordia University Administrator Licensure Program, beginning his career as a classroom teacher and advancing to leadership roles, including building and district administrator, director of curriculum and instruction, and instructional technology specialist. Throughout his career, he has guided schools and organizations across Minnesota in the effective integration of emerging technologies and the implementation of data-informed, continuous improvement practices. A recognized advocate for educational excellence, Dr. O’Connor has led professional development initiatives supporting educators in instructional leadership, curriculum design, and systemic school improvement. His service as an examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program reflects his ongoing commitment to advancing national standards of organizational effectiveness and excellence. He currently serves as a Professor of Education at Concordia University, St. Paul, where he leads the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) administrator licensure program, preparing the next generation of equity-focused, ethical, and visionary school leaders.

Academic Credentials

• Doctor of Education Leadership, Ed.D. – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• Specialist in Education Leadership, Ed.S. – Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
• Master of Music, M.M. – University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Education, B.F.A. – University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

Areas of Focus

• K-12 Educational Leadership, Instructional Technology, Online Instruction, Adult Learning, Continuous Improvement, Professional Development, Educational Leadership in Rural Settings, Community Partnering.

Professional Licenses

• Superintendent, Principal (Minnesota)
• K-12 Music Education (Minnesota)

Professional Affiliations

• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
• American Society for Quality (ASQ)
• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
• Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA)

Address: AD 331

Phone: 651-603-6258 Extension 6258

Email: [email protected] (Preferred)