August 18, 2020
How many years have you been at MPA?
The 2020-2021 school year is my third year at MPA.
What do you love about MPA?
I love the environment of student focused, high energy teachers all over the building! I love the fact that students have the opportunity to learn a second language starting in Kindergarten, as well as having physical education, arts, music, technology, library, drama and the Makerspace! I love being a teacher at MPA and bringing the love of teaching/love of students kind of energy every day. It is energizing and motivating!
How does MPA inspire students who dream big and do right?
I believe that MPA inspires students who dream big and do right by promoting flexibility and creativity in the curriculum, and really encouraging extracurricular activities with the no-cut policy.
If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
During my first student support meeting at MPA, I was pleasantly surprised to see that we started discussing a student’s social emotional well-being FIRST, and then moved on to their academics. After working in public schools in Minnesota, I was relieved to be back at working in a school where the social emotional wellness of the student is prioritized. Like the famous educational pedagogy says, you have to Maslow before you Bloom.
What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
Your child will love this school! Athletics, arts, languages, music, advanced classes, creativity, clubs, field trips, delicious, nutritional lunches, and committed and loving teachers are awaiting at MPA.
In what ways are you preparing students for life in the 21st century?
Being a Spanish teacher, and a native speaker, I tap directly into helping develop my students’ cultural awareness and sensitivity. I am doing my part in preparing them for an ever changing world, and providing them with the space to practice flexible thinking and the ability to adjust to challenging situations inside our world language classroom.
What do you hope for MPA students in 20 years?
I hope to see them become leaders within their community and spark change in the world with their courage and kindness.
