WORCESTER—Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Worcester native and longtime Worcester Public Schools educator Ann McGreevy found solace in writing her memoir, a project suggested by her godchild, Christine.
It’s a familiar story; the pandemic offered the time to reflect on life, family, and career. “I decided to just start writing… from my beginning, which was my hometown of Worcester,” she told the Worcester Guardian. “I’m grateful for the memories I still had of my earliest years.”
McGreevy just dropped that memoir, “One Teacher’s Journey: With Family, Faith, Friends and Lives of Eminence,” in which she explores her upbringing in a large Irish-Catholic family, her teaching career, and her pursuit of lifelong learning.
Born and raised in Worcester, McGreevy’s early life set the stage for her passion for education. “I was the oldest of six children, and the youngest was born when I was 16. That meant a lot of experience entertaining and caring for children,” she told the Worcester Guardian. McGreevy’s family lived in a historic Queen Anne home on King Street, where she said the strong influence of Irish heritage and Catholic faith played a significant role in shaping her values.
McGreevy attended Worcester State College (now Worcester State University), earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees before embarking on a 20-year teaching career.
“I was privileged to attend a superb local college and become a teacher,” she added, noting the importance of her Irish-American roots and the shared family values that inspired her path. “That was not a given in my world.”
Much of McGreevy’s career was spent at Flagg Street School, where she developed a special connection with her students and fellow educators. “I’m still good friends with many of my elementary students from those years,” she said fondly.
Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom, as she pursued a Ph.D. in education with a focus on the curriculum for gifted and talented students at the University of Connecticut.
McGreevy’s research on eminent figures and their early lives influenced much of her teaching philosophy. “My special interest was the early lives of eminent men and women and how they contributed to the world,” she explained. “It fascinated me to study how certain individuals overcame odds to achieve greatness, and I wanted to bring that same sense of possibility to my students.”
Her memoir not only shares her academic journey but also reflects on her faith. “I always looked at teaching as a vocation—working with human minds, yes, but also with feelings, expectations, frustrations, and limitations,” she said.
For McGreevy, faith has been a constant presence in navigating life’s challenges, including moments of grief. “During times of shock and grief, I always felt that I was never really alone, that God was with me,” she added.
Beyond teaching, McGreevy has made significant contributions as a writer, including two historical coloring books for children and nearly 40 scholarly articles. Her research on the mentorship between Charles Darwin and his professor, John Henslow, earned her national recognition, with her article being awarded Best Paper of the Year by Gifted Child Quarterly.
McGreevy’s book also speaks to the role of mentorship in education, a subject close to her heart. “I’ve had wonderful mentors who I still reach out to, and I hope I’ve played that role for others,” she shared. This mentorship extended beyond students, as McGreevy’s influence reached other educators throughout her career.
As McGreevy approaches her 80th birthday, her memoir stands as a testament to a life shaped by education, family, and faith. Though she is unsure if another book is in her future, she muses about the possibility of exploring the lives of eminent individuals in more depth.
Teaching was not just a career—it was a calling for McGreevy. “I think any faith journey, if sincerely lived, can make a huge difference in your life,” she reflected.
In “One Teacher’s Journey,” she shares the values, lessons, and stories that have defined her life, offering readers a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a passionate educator.
McGreevy’s new memoir is available for purchase on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats, and at Tidepool Bookshop on Chandler Street in Worcester.
Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
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