July 22, 2025
Welcome to MPA, Mr. Aaron Hokanson! Mr. Hokanson is joining the community as a fourth-grade teacher, and we are so excited to introduce him.
From what school/organization are you coming?
For the past several years, I’ve been a stay-at-home father, focused on raising my three children and supporting my wife’s career as a writer, educator, and public speaker.
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I hold a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s of Teaching from the University of Melbourne, and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. My experience spans elementary teaching, college instruction, teacher education, and writing support. I previously taught first grade in Australia and have worked with both pre-service and practicing teachers in Minnesota. I’ve also worked with community organizations in the Twin Cities, supporting adult English learners and participating in cross-cultural initiatives as an educator, researcher, and community member. I’m excited to return to the classroom full-time.
What did you find appealing about MPA?
My first experience with MPA came through my wife’s younger brother, who attended from first through eighth grade. He lived with us from fourth grade, and I saw how MPA nurtured both his curiosity and his confidence. Even as a quieter student, he was seen, heard, and supported by the teachers, staff, and administration. MPA created space for him to grow into himself. That experience left a positive impression on me.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
As much as I hope to have a meaningful impact on my students, I’m equally excited to learn from them. Teaching is a reciprocal relationship—built on curiosity, care, and shared discovery. I want to create space where students feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Whatever I’m able to offer as their teacher, I know they will also shape how I think, what I notice, and how I grow. I am excited for this! The relationships we build together are, I believe, the most lasting part of the work or teaching and learning.
What’s your big dream?
To make the world around us like “Sesame Street”—joyful, kind, full of color, music, learning, and belonging.
What are you passionate about?
My wife, myself, and our three children love to play together, be silly, and take walks where we pause to look closely at the world around us. We’re passionate about stories. We watch “Survivor” as a family and analyze strategies and personalities—it sparks fun conversations about how people move through the world. We read, draw, and are always losing to the weeds in our yard. We love music, movies, and discovering new things. At the heart of it all, we enjoy being together.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I love exploring new music, writing songs, and watching all kinds of films—from big, loud action movies to quiet world cinema. I also love poetry, coffee, fruit, ice cream, and super spicy food!
