Mary McInerney

Mary McInerney is a writer, educator, and lifelong advocate for student voice. Having once been a reluctant writer herself, Mary didn’t discover the joy of writing until college—a delay that fueled her passion to reimagine how writing is taught. As a mother, teacher, and student of learning, she’s spent much of her life asking why so many young people feel shut out of writing—and how we can invite them in.

Mary holds a master’s degree in Creative Teaching and Learning with a specialization in literacy and a doctorate from the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education. Her research and teaching focus on engaging reluctant writers through a strengths-based, student-centered approach. For over forty years, she has worked with schools, families, and homeschool communities, designing workshops and curricula that foster ownership, creativity, and joy in the writing process.

Her unique and affirming philosophy caught the attention of Mark Siegel at First Second, leading to the creation of Creative Writing with Miss Mary Mac—a vibrant and accessible guide that empowers young writers to find their voices and see writing as a form of artistic expression.

Mary lives surrounded by nature and inspiration, and is most at home in classrooms where students keep poems in their pockets and notebooks close at hand.