"I have taught young children for more than 30 years and this program is the best one that I have ever seen. None of us wanted to leave when our program time was over.”  

Sara Doolittle, Simpsonville Elementary

"To meet Crystal and to see her performance is to fall in love with a lady who has a passion for what she does.  I attended her professional development session.  As a parent - I cried.  As a teacher - I cheered.  As a media specialist - I celebrated.” 

Renee Beverly, Conway Elementary

Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor is the author of three highly acclaimed children's books, and is in great demand for her writing instruction, professional development, and author visits.  She has enjoyed hundreds of school engagements in South Carolina, and she returns to many of the schools year after year.  Her mission is to improve children's literacy skills, and her books and programs share the themes of preserving and protecting the gifts of family, literacy and nature.

Dr. O'Connor is a registered artist in the South Carolina Arts Commission Artist in Residence Program and her books have  received the highest rating by the National Study of Children’s Literature.  The South Carolina State Department of Education selected Jake and the Migration of the Monarch for its Reading First Training, and this book is part of the Anderson Five Curriculum and the Fairfield County Schools Curriculum.  Her professional development, writing programs and teaching resources are currently part of the Exemplary Writing Initiative at Heath Springs Elementary in Lancaster County and the Hands-on Minds-on Program at EdVenture Science Center.

“Dr. O’Connor takes the mystery out of learning to write well.  Under her guidance, students amaze themselves with the writing they produce.  Our highest poverty school went from 13.2% Exemplary to 25% Exemplary on the fifth grade state writing exam in one year.  Another Title I school went from 33% to 54% Exemplary.  She also inspires teachers and conveys valuable insight into the writing process.” 

Sharon Duffy, Coordinator of Federal Programs, Pickens County

“Dr. Crystal Ball O’Connor provides one of the most outstanding programs I have ever seen!  As she weaves together literature, the arts, and writing across content areas, it is difficult to tell who are more thrilled, the students or the teachers!” 

Joan Beth Page, Assistant Superintendent, Dillon District One

“Year after year, we invite Dr. O’Connor back to our schools to share her outstanding program with students and teachers. Hers is one of the best programs I have ever seen connecting literature, the arts, and writing across the curriculum. Don’t miss an opportunity to invite her to your schools this year!”

Dr. Randy Dozier, Superintendent of Georgetown County Schools

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