Social Studies
Social Studies Staff
- Andrew Archuleta - AP Psychology / Psychology
- Eric Bolus - US History
- Kaylea Burstynski - AP World / AP Gov/Econ & AP Euro
- * Uriah Cross - AP World / APUSH / World History / Social Studies Department Chair
- Tom DeVito - Government / eSports
- Tiffany Ellis - APUSH / AP Govt / AP Human Geography
- Emilee Erickson - World History
- Reed Hatch - Econ / Govt
- Jim Horyza - Political Science 110 / Govt-Econ
- Isaiah Keller - US History / Govt
- Robert Latona - World History
- Laura McKinnon - HIS 103-104 / US History
- Amanda Schlueter - History 110-111 / AP World History
Andrew Archuleta - AP Psychology / Psychology
Eric Bolus - US History

|
623-445-7393 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
I am excited to begin my 28th year in education as a U.S. History teacher at Sandra Day O'Connor High School. My goal is to make history engaging and relevant while helping students develop the critical thinking skills they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom.
In addition to teaching, I serve as the Head Track & Field Coach, where I enjoy mentoring student-athletes and helping them reach their full potential.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am the proud father of two daughters, Tyler and Logan, and an even prouder grandfather to my four-year-old twin granddaughters, Sophia and Blake.
Kaylea Burstynski - AP World / AP Gov/Econ & AP Euro
* Uriah Cross - AP World / APUSH / World History / Social Studies Department Chair

|
623-445-7279 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
Started at OC in 2014 from ASU, though I'm a Hawkeye to my core. Marine before teacher, but I'm a softie now. Department Chair of the Social Studies department while teaching AP US and World History with an occasional general education history class. I love my family and the rare lazy day. I promise I will work very hard for your child. I will also seek to inspire the importance of caring for their community and country.
Tom DeVito - Government / eSports

|
623-445-7202 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
Mr. DeVito
Welcome! I am entering my 5th year in education and my 10th year coaching wrestling. This year, I am excited to teach Government/Economics and Gaming Concepts, combining real-world social sciences with strategic problem-solving.
Education & Background
High School: OC Alum (Class of 2011)
Bachelor’s Degree: Criminal Justice & Sociology — University of Mary
Master’s Degree: Secondary Education in Social Science — Ottawa University (Kansas)
Whether in the classroom discussing civic responsibility and economic systems, building critical thinking skills through gaming strategy, or working on discipline and resilience on the wrestling mat, my goal is to help students succeed both academically and personally.
Tiffany Ellis - APUSH / AP Govt / AP Human Geography

|
623-445-7394 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
In 1998 I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Political Science from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. That year, I enrolled in the School of Education's graduate program for teachers, and in 1999 I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education (social studies emphasis). Since then I have taught all grade levels 7-12 in the social studies areas. I currently teach Advanced Placement Human Geography, Advanced Placement United States History, Advanced Placement Government and Advanced Placement Macroeconomics.
One of my favorite things to do is spend time with my family outside. We like to travel (I love national parks) and we enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and just hanging out in nature. If teaching had not been my calling, I would currently be working for the forest service or as a park ranger. I also enjoy reading, nature journaling, and photography.
Emilee Erickson - World History

|
623-445-7277 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
My name is Emilee Erickson. I was born and raised in Phoenix. I'm an O'Connor alum and won a softball state championship my senior year. I lived in Utah for several years after high school. Played and coached college softball. I have a BA in Journalism and a Masters in Education. This is my third year teaching. I love to do anything outdoors in the sunshine!
Reed Hatch - Econ / Govt
Jim Horyza - Political Science 110 / Govt-Econ

|
623-445-7280 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
I started my teaching career here at O'Connor High School. I have a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Special Education. I am the head Girls Golf Coach and the Freshman boys basketball coach along with assistant varsity boys basketball coach on campus. I love to travel, watch history documentaries and play golf..

Isaiah Keller - US History / Govt
Class Schedule
About the teacher
I obtained by Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education along with a minor in History from Arizona State University. I began my teaching career at Raymond S. Kellis High School in 2023 teaching Government , History and Physical Education.
I am an Assistant Varsity Football Coach on campus. Outside of school I enjoy Powerlifting, and spending time with my Wife and Dog.
Robert Latona - World History

|
623-445-7392 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
This will be Coach Latona’s 21st year at O’Connor. The first 14 years were in the Special Education Department. The last 7 years in the Social Studies Department. Overall, this will be 36 years in the classroom and on the field. As a graduate at Greenway High School I was involved in Football, Baseball, and Wrestling. After High School I went to Glendale Community College and participated in Football. At GCC we won the NJCAA National Championship and was voted into the Hall of Fame along with being an All-American. After GCC I attended Abilene Christian University in Texas studying Biology and PE. After Abilene I came back home and finished my Degree at Ottawa University and received my Bachelor's Degree in History. I started my teaching career in the Peoria District then moved on to ACES. After ACES I was hired by the original principal Jack Dillard to teach at O’Connor. After spending the last 36 years teaching and coaching I have come to realize I am happiest while I am in the classroom and on a field, whether it's on the softball or football field. Free time is almost non-existent, however when I do, I enjoy college football and anything outdoors. I have a daughter that lives in Texas and is a 3rd grade teacher. I also have 2 grandsons that I know I will be coaching sometime soon. I am still excited every time school starts. This means new students and new adventures are on the horizon. If there is anything I can do to help in the classroom please let me know. Looking forward to a great new year.
Laura McKinnon - HIS 103-104 / US History

|
623-445-7270 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
My name is Laura McKinnon, and I teach dual enrollment U.S. history, American/Arizona history here at Sandra Day
O'Connor. I LOVE my job! I enjoy learning about history, geography, and culture, especially by travelling to different historic sites around the country and the world. Our optional trip for the summer of 2022 will be to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. For the summer of 2023, we will be going to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. I also sponsor the World Explorers Club, which is a great way to learn more about places you may want to learn about or see.
This is my 23rd year teaching. Before moving on to teaching high school, I taught preschool, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and I have loved each grade level I have taught. I also love to lead educational travel, which allows us to bring our learning outside of the classroom to historic sites.
I grew up in Ontario, Canada, and I moved to Arizona after I finished high school. I became a respiratory therapist, and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital, and Phoenix Children's Hospital for 13 years, but... I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, so back to school I went. After earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education, I continued on with a master's degree in education through Northern Arizona University, and a master's degree in U.S. history through Pace University. I feel fortunate to have found a career that I truly love, and I am happy to be teaching at O'Connor this year.
Amanda Schlueter - History 110-111 / AP World History

|
623-445-7276 |
|---|
Class Schedule
About the teacher
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts, History with minors in Public Administration, Judaic Studies, and Music; Master of Arts, Public History; 6-12 Gifted Endorsement
Hello! My name is Mrs. Schlueter. I have a BA in History from the University of Arizona and a MA in Public History from Arizona State University. I also hold an endorsement in gifted education. I worked in the museum field before transitioning to teaching and have been at O'Connor High School since 2020. I love teaching history because it explains why we live our lives the way we do and celebrates the many ways we have of being human across the world.
I have two children who attend Deer Valley schools. When I'm not teaching or chasing them around, I enjoy quilting and listening to podcasts.
I am also the Director of the Academy of Civic Engagement and Advanced Studies here at O'Connor and teach the AP World History cohort for that program.


