Faculty And Staff Experience Archives

March 21, 2018

Middle and Upper School music teacher and choir director

How many years have you been at MPA?
Eighteen years as the choir director. I was hired by Barb Bradley to vocal direct and accompany the musicals in 1996. I have been walking MPA halls for nearly half of my life!

What do you love about MPA?
The joy, positivity, passion, and drive exhibited by faculty, staff, and students.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
We instill in our students the idea of possibility. What can we do now? The world is at your fingertips. Why not dive in and experience all that you can?

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
You can be yourself at MPA. Your uniqueness is celebrated. You are important and have something to “bring to the table.” It is like a choir … everyone’s voice is important and we want to hear what you have to say (or sing, in my case!).

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
You will be jealous of your children’s education!

In what ways are you preparing students for life in the 21st century?
In choir, we are a community. What one person does affects not only you, but the whole. We may be independent thinkers, but we are interdependent beings. Music-making teaches discipline, perseverance, creativity, and the importance of deep listening. Read More

Meet Mr. Ethier

February 27, 2018

Middle School math teacher

How many years have you been at MPA? 27

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
The students. Every day I get to work with students who are curious, motivated, eager to learn, and willing to do the hard work to solve challenging problems. We talk about the joy of learning, but it’s a joy to work with students like this! As a coach, I get to hear positive things about our students from others they encounter. It might be the neighbor who noticed some of our runners stopping to pick up trash at Goodrich, or the bus driver who always looks forward to driving MPA students because they’re the best.

How does Mounds Park Academy nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
One of the really important things we do is create an environment where students can be themselves. Each student is unique, but each student feels right at home at MPA. Here, it’s cool to be smart, cool to be a math nerd, a drama nerd, a speech nerd, or whatever type of nerd allows you to explore your passion. That welcoming environment is critical to allowing students to have those big dreams and sets an example they can carry on to welcome others.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at Mounds Park Academy been different?
I only worked one year at another school—a public school in northern Minnesota. It was like night and day comparing that experience to my experience at MPA. I remember giving a simple problem solving assignment to one of my classes and the students had no idea how to approach it. Nobody had ever asked them to do problems like that before! MPA students jump right in when given those kind of challenges. They’ve been given many opportunities to do open-ended, problem solving, creative activities, and they don’t back down from a challenge.

What would you tell a parent considering Mounds Park Academy?
At MPA, we ask students to solve challenging problems and give them the support they need to be comfortable doing that. Whether it’s solving interesting algebraic problems in sixth grade, writing a novel in seventh grade, doing a research paper in eighth grade, we ask a lot of our students, but we also provide the nurturing environment that helps them feel safe in taking those academic risks. Read More

Meet Ms. Stinson

February 13, 2018

Third grade teacher

How many years have you been at MPA?
Thirty years plus—I started teaching at MPA in the 1985-86 school year.

What do you love about MPA?
I love the individualized instruction and attention we can give each student. Due to small class sizes, we know our students very well and can give them the support and positive interactions they need to grow as learners. We differentiate each lesson and help each student become the best they can be, and to grow and thrive each day. Feeling positive about learning and having confidence to move ahead to meet expectations means everything. These components are the recipe for success.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
We love all of our students as individuals and support their dreams, efforts, and strengths. We encourage them, every day, throughout their world of learning and growing.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
It is different because we truly “believe” in kids.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
I would say, “If you want your student to be supported and celebrated as a learner, leader, and achiever, come to MPA!” Read More

Meet Mr. Thomsen

January 24, 2018

Upper School science teacher

How many years have you been at Mounds Park Academy?
Since 1991! So, 27 years.

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
Faculty, staff, and students who are interested in life and love learning.

How does Mounds Park Academy nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
MPA helps students learn how to become effective, efficient learners and be active citizen-scientists in the 21st century.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at Mounds Park Academy been different?
MPA is a true learning community. The faculty and staff work very hard to help every student learn and set high goals and standards.

What would you tell a parent considering Mounds Park Academy?
MPA is a place that focuses on the growth of the learner. It works to help people get the most out of their education and helps them to make a sound decision on their next steps after high school.

In what ways are you preparing students for life in the 21st century?
We cultivate students who are confident in their ability to learn and work well with others and are interested and invested in their community, state, and country.

What do you hope for Mounds Park Academy students in 20 years?
That they are leading the kind of exciting life that goes beyond the dreams they had when they were at MPA.

Mounds Park Academy, a PreK-12 private school in Saint Paul, is currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 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!

Meet Ms. Petersen

January 12, 2018

Kindergarten teacher

How many years have you been at Mounds Park Academy?
I have taught kindergarten at MPA for 34 years.

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
I love waking up every morning excited to go to school to learn! I love learning about my students, their families, my colleagues, myself, our community, and the world.

I love when students take one of my lessons and bridges it with a family experience. For example, I introduced Japan for “Letter Jj” and we talked about the Japanese Peace Bell in Duluth, Minnesota. Shortly thereafter, I received a picture of one of my students ringing the bell while on vacation with her family. This proves that what we do is purposeful and meaningful. Our students make connections between their life experiences and school learning.

I love the people with whom I teach. I have had the honor of working with an incredible group of teachers. They have shared their talents, expertise, and life with me throughout the last 30 years. Each one of them has helped me grow and become the teacher I am today. I am grateful.

I love being in a PreK-12 school and watching my former students travel on their life journeys. When last year’s senior class members were in kindergarten, the theme was The Wizard of Oz. I fondly remember the little ones who joined me on the yellow brick road 14 years ago. Oh, the joy of watching them turn into the young men and women they are today. One student from this class indicated she would be president someday. Perhaps I will receive an invitation to the White House to visit her!

I love MPA because all who enter through our doors immediately feel our warmth, our joy, and our passion. They are inspired to dream big and do right. What a gift! Read More

Meet Ms. Mastel

December 27, 2017

Drama Faculty
MPA Parent

What do you love about MPA?
So many things! As a teacher and a parent, I love that drama is part of the curriculum at MPA. It really shows the dedication of teaching the whole child. I also love that at MPA the “joy of learning” is imbedded into the school’s mission.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
My daughter is given options and choices for her own learning. She is taught skills that encourage independence, self-confidence, and advocacy. But the focus doesn’t stay on the individual—Lily’s teachers have projects that foster collaboration, team building, and simply being a good friend. During a recent “music share,” my daughter was nervous and forget her song … she looked at one of her friends who mouthed the first line and then Lily was ready to go. The next day, that friend began crying when a cookie fell to the ground at the school picnic and Lily immediately turned to comfort her. These are foundations that will last a lifetime.

If your child has attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Lily was originally enrolled at a different elementary school, until I was hired at MPA. I remember the moment during my tour when I started to look at the school as not just a potential teacher, but as a parent who wants the best for her child. She has more opportunities for physical education, art, drama, music, computers, and for creativity in the Makerspace. Many schools have cut art programs, meanwhile MPA has it as a required class through eighth grade. Also, the small class sizes cannot be beat! Read More

Meet Ms. Murr

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. Read More

Meet Ms. LaChapelle

November 14, 2017

PreK teacher

How many years have you been at MPA?
5 years

What do you love about MPA?
The students and families, nurturing community, and great colleagues who are passionate about what they do.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
Students are given opportunities to create, explore, experiment, participate in community service projects, and have their ideas and opinions heard.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
MPA is a warm community with faculty and staff who are passionate about what they do. Small class sizes offer many one-on-one learning opportunities. The learning environment is engaging and hands-on. And being in a PreK through 12 school provides opportunities for cross-grade level activities that are so unique.

In what ways are you preparing students for life in the 21st century?
I offer open-ended, hands-on learning opportunities. And I encourage problem-solving, public speaking, and becoming more independent. Read More

Meet Ms. Kimmerle

September 29, 2017

Fourth grade teacher
Lower School Parent

How many years have you been at MPA?
This is my 13th year.

What do you love about MPA?
When I arrived on campus 12 years ago, I was immediately drawn to the passion that the school had for maintaining and building a diverse community. Having worked in San Francisco previously, I thought I was at the epicenter of an educational environment that valued diversity. I was wrong. That was here, at MPA.

Then there are the students. From my first eighth grade class, to my current fourth graders, I have been impressed with each and every one of them. There is a light … a spark … you do not find that everywhere.

And then there are my colleagues. Watching them is what makes me strive to be better each day. I’ve never been around a harder working, more dedicated group of professionals.

I love MPA as a faculty member, clearly. But now, as a parent, I can hardly put into words my love for the school without getting teary eyed. My children are thriving here, and I can’t imagine a better learning environment for them! Read More

Meet Dr. Bill Hudson

August 18, 2017

How many years have you been at MPA? Four years

What do you love about MPA?
I love the relationships between the students and their teachers and other adults in the building. Those relationships are built upon trust and respect and creates a safe, nurturing, and joyful school culture.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
Dreams are grounded in a sense of safety and through self-confidence and take flight through curiosity and creativity. MPA students thrive in such a culture and, through academic and character education, come to the realization that it is their responsibility to serve the common good.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Having grades PreK-12 all under one roof has brought me tremendous joy and a sense of purpose. To witness children and young people discover who they are is a privilege. I love to see the way in which our younger students look up to the older students and the responsibility the older students feel for their younger buddies is incredibly fulfilling. Read More