Mary Irish grew up in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. She attended Concordia University, River Forest, IL, and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Mary has taught in Aurora, IL, Elm Grove, WI, and Wauwatosa, WI. She came to Our Redeemer Lutheran School in 1982 and taught 5th through 8th grades on a part-time basis and became a full-time teacher at ORLS in 1990 teaching grade 7/8 Language Arts.
Mary completed her Master’s Degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 1995 and the School Leadership Development Project in Administrative Training through the LCMS in 1998. Mary became Assistant Principal at ORLS in 1998 and served in that capacity until 2003 when she became Principal.
Mary has been highly involved in Staff Development activities for the Concordia University System presenting the Joshua Project since 1995. In addition, she has mentored and presented at Lutheran Administrator’s Academies in numerous states, serves on the writing and presentation team for the LCMS Leadership With Purpose Academy program, served as a mentor for the ACT initiative of the LCMS-School Ministry Department, and writes for LCMS publications. Her involvement with the National Lutheran School Accreditation program has led her to serve as a visiting team member for numerous schools in the Midwest assessing their readiness to receive National Lutheran School Accreditation through the LCMS. Mary is also an active member of the Wauwatosa Rotary Club.
Mary’s husband, David, teaches at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. They have three grown children – two sons and one daughter. Mary enjoys traveling, entertaining, walking, and spending time with her granddaughterand grandson in her spare time.