The Innovation Academy

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Innovation Academy!  My name is Michael P. McConnell and I am so excited and honored to be your Principal.  I was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, two blocks from Arizona State University.  In 1991 I made the brilliant decision to move to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona.  I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Early Childhood.  I spent 11 years teaching Kindergarten at E.C. Nash Elementary School.  In 2004 I decided I wanted something different, so I went back to school and earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.  My beautiful wife Marisa is a Reading Intervention Teacher at Mesa Verde Elementary School.  We have two fabulous dogs, Max and Maizey. We also have two wonderful boys.  Cadden completed a five year enlistment in the U.S. Army and is attending school at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  Colby works for Wells Fargo as a home loan specialist. 

Defining Moment in Education

As a child I struggled to read and I did not find school enjoyable.  It wasn't until 6th grade that I started to enjoy school.  My 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Hobson was the first teacher who understood me and made it her mission to make sure I learned to read.  She took the time to tutor me before school, after school, and sometimes even at lunch.  One morning she told me that it really bothered her that I did not like school and that I did not like to read.  That morning she told me that it was her duty to make sure that I learned to read and begin to love school.  She did!  I do!  Mrs. Hobson is the reason that I am where I am today! 

Core Educational Beliefs

I believe that all children are brilliant and that as adults it is our responsibility to help them find and share their brilliance with the world. 

Prior Experience

• Kindergarten Teacher 11 years E.C. Nash Elementary School
• Instructional Support Assistant 2 years L.M. Prince Elementary School
• Assistant Principal 3 years Coronado K-8 School
• Principal 5 years Lulu Walker Elementary School