May 20, 2026
We are excited to share that Jocelyn Cunha will join Mounds Park Academy as a PreK teacher beginning in June! Jocelyn brings extensive experience in child-centered, developmentally appropriate education, including six years of teaching and mentoring at The Colorado Springs School, an independent PreK-12 school in Colorado. We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Cunha!
From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from IXL Learning.
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I’ve had the privilege of working across the education field in a variety of settings, including nonprofits, public and independent schools, and the ed tech sector. I began my journey with the I Have a Dream Foundation in Boulder, where I quickly discovered my passion for teaching and knew I wanted to become a classroom educator. Since then, I’ve taught all grades K-3, with most of my time spent in Kindergarten at The Colorado Springs School, an independent school in Colorado. Over the past six years, I’ve created PreK-6 math and ELA instructional videos for IXL Learning. While this work has been meaningful and creatively fulfilling, I am truly excited to return to the classroom and be part of a school community again. I believe in the joy and wonder of the early childhood years and feel honored to be part of the beginning of our youngest learners’ educational journeys!
What did you find appealing about MPA?
As parents, we were first drawn to MPA’s warm and welcoming community and its clear commitment to knowing, valuing, and loving each child. As an educator, MPA’s child-centered approach aligns with my belief that children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for. I appreciate the strong sense of partnership among students, families, and faculty, which creates a supportive and inspiring environment for everyone.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
One of the most meaningful measures of success for me is building relationships so strong that students continue to seek me out year after year for hugs, high fives, and a cheerful hello! I hope to make a lasting impact at MPA by helping create safe, inclusive spaces for every child. I want students to experience school as a place of joyful learning, where curiosity is nurtured, risks are encouraged, and each child is inspired to discover their unique strengths. As a passionate advocate for literacy, I also hope to foster a lifelong love of books and reading.
What’s your big dream?
My big dream is to write a children’s book.
What are you passionate about?
My family and I love making the most of Minnesota’s seasons and spending as much time outdoors as we can. From hiking, biking, and snowshoeing to playing sports, we enjoy staying active and exploring together. We’re also always on the hunt for the best playgrounds in Minnesota! At home, we enjoy cooking and trying new recipes together as a family. Our most recent favorite has been Elmo spaghetti, which has quickly become a fun household hit.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
We have two beloved goldendoodles, Roo and Tater Tot!
