April 25, 2024
Annie Stewart will be shifting from third to fourth grade for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. Take a little time to get to know Annie!
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in theater in 2015. After working as a full-time stage manager in Minneapolis, I came back to MPA as a building substitute teacher and PreK teaching assistant. In 2019, I completed my Master’s Degree in elementary education from the University of St. Thomas and started working as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in the Edina Public Schools.
What did you find appealing about moving to fourth grade as a homeroom teacher?
Fourth grade is a pivotal year for student growth and development. As the last year in our Lower School program, it is a bridge into fifth grade and the rigor of Middle School. As a former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, I’m looking forward to helping MPA students successfully make this transition. An added bonus is that I will be able to “loop” with some of my current third graders, meaning I will be able to make greater and deeper connections and continue to build upon our strong relationships.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
As an alumna, it is an incredible experience to be back working at the school that helped me flourish as a student. I hope that as a Lower School teacher, I am able able to spark the same joy of learning in my future students.
What’s your big dream?
My current big dream is to apply for a Ph.D. program in education to further my own learning
What are you passionate about?
As a neurodiverse teacher I’m trying to learn how to better set up my classroom space and how to expand my teaching practices to better serve the needs of neurodiverse students, and therefore all learners, in my room!
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I’m trying to learn Arabic in order to better communicate with family that I have living in Lebanon— learning a new language as an adult is no joke!
