November 27, 2017
Upper School history teacher
Lower and Middle School parent
How many years have you been at MPA?
This is my 14th year teaching at MPA.
What do you love about MPA?
Usually, when we talk about people being themselves at MPA, we are referencing the students. This is absolutely a strength of the school and a huge part of the reason that I choose to send my two boys to MPA. At the same time, I also love to work at MPA because I too have the freedom to be myself. Students rarely snicker when I get worked up about the pre-Civil War caning of Sumner or tear up over the trauma of 9/11. Instead, they are willing to let go of their own adolescent insecurities and uncertainties and join me in an intense and personal exploration of history. This makes every day in the classroom unimaginably fulfilling and explains why I love MPA.
How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
I think I have grown particularly interested in the “Do Right” aspect of this phrase. By studying the mistakes of the past, I stress to students that they can and must do better. While some might see this as a dim or negative approach to teaching history, I hope that it empowers and motivates students to right the wrongs of the past.
What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
“Do you have an hour or two?” is probably how I would start. It is that difficult to capture the full power of an MPA education. Recognizing, however, that time is short, I would stress that MPA equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to make the world a better place, thereby making their lives richer and more fulfilling.
In what ways are you preparing students for life in the 21st century?
I don’t think of myself as preparing students for any particular period of time. Instead, I focus on preparing them for citizenship. They need to be knowledgeable, skilled people who can critically analyze information and develop a plan of action for responding to that information. By studying, analyzing, and critiquing the events of the past, students are well-equipped to handle the future.
What do you hope for MPA students in 20 years?
I hope they live in a more just, thoughtful, and equitable world.
Mounds Park Academy, a PreK-12 private school in Saint Paul, is currently accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year. For more information about admission and to schedule your tour, visit moundsparkacademy.org/admission. We look forward to getting to know your family!
