My MPA Experience

July 24, 2024

Welcome to MPA, Eddie Grant! Eddie started as an assistant director of equity and belonging on July 15, and we are so excited to introduce him to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from the Excell Academy For Higher Learning.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have over 20 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and education. My career began at the University of Northwestern, where I led equity initiatives. At Excell Academy, I developed a comprehensive DEIB plan, created the foundational “Discovering Your Equity Lens” workshop, taught middle school social studies, and served as an in-house substitute teacher. I designed a curriculum tailored to a diverse student body and worked extensively with marginalized communities, including BIPOC, first-generation, LGBTQIA+, low-income, and disabled communities. I am excited to bring my experience to MPA and collaborate with the team to maintain a culture of belonging for all.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I was blown away by MPA’s bold presentation, intentional language, and strong commitment to creating a community of belonging. The school’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected resonates deeply with my own values and professional goals. Additionally, I was particularly impressed by the intentionality and support provided for neurodivergent learners. MPA’s approach to recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths of every student aligns perfectly with my philosophy of education and DEIB work. The opportunity to contribute to such a forward-thinking and inclusive community is incredibly appealing, and I am excited about the possibility of being part of MPA’s mission to inspire and empower all students.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
In every professional space I’ve entered, my goal has always been to leave it better than I found it. I strive to help organizations overcome challenges and reach the next level, and I have been successful in doing so at every place I’ve been. I plan to bring this same dedication to MPA. I am rooted in respecting all people and perspectives and providing open and safe spaces for having difficult and uncomfortable conversations. I love working collaboratively and have a team mindset, believing that the best solutions come from collective effort. I thrive on working together to tackle daunting tasks and celebrating success with the team that shared the journey. My aim at MPA is to foster an environment where students and staff feel empowered, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. I am committed to making a lasting impact by enhancing the sense of community and belonging, and by helping every student recognize and reach their full potential.

What’s your big dream?
While I know I may not change the entire world, my dream is to make a significant impact in my world and every space I become part of. I believe in empowering individuals to view life through an equity lens, fostering understanding and empathy. By helping one person at a time, I aim to create a ripple effect where each empowered individual turns around to support and uplift others. Over time, this approach will build environments and spaces of true belonging. My ultimate hope is that these collective efforts will contribute to meaningful societal change.

What are you and your family passionate about?
My family and I are passionate about helping everyone feel valued, respected, appreciated, and affirmed in their true selves. We believe in being the change we want to see, so we actively work to create that change. This includes volunteering in our community, supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, and fostering open and empathetic conversations. Our goal is to contribute to a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can freely express who they are.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
A fun fact about me is that I was born in the same hospital (Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center) where Michael Jackson died.

July 24, 2024

Welcome to MPA, Mindy Ruane! Later this fall, Mindy will join us as a Middle School English teacher. We can’t wait to introduce her to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I’m returning to the classroom after a break raising my own kids! Most recently, I have been taking short and long-term substitute teaching positions at MPA, as well as teaching online graduate students.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
Students, their families, and teachers have been at the center of all of my working experiences. I started my career teaching in a third-grade classroom in Arizona and have held additional teaching and social work roles in Chicago and Minneapolis. Additionally, I have worked to support other teachers at Teach For America and as an online instructor at Johns Hopkins University Graduate School of Education. After several years of substitute teaching across divisions here at Mounds Park Academy, I am thrilled to be joining the team in a full-time capacity.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
Two of the things I find most appealing about MPA are the joyful learning environment and the outstanding sense of community. From Makerspace collaborations to engaging classroom activities, lessons and labs to social outings, field trips, I-term, and more; MPA is intentionally working to keep the joy in students’ school experience. All students are well known by the MPA community. Parents go out of their way to support the school in every way, teachers are accessible, and the students are curious, thoughtful, and capable.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
The teachers I remember most fondly were the ones who opened my mind to new perspectives and challenged me to push myself to my full capacity. I hope to have the same impact on students here at MPA—to create a safe and joyful classroom that pushes every student to explore new ideas and be challenged in engaging ways. I hope that every student who leaves my classroom does so with a more confident voice and the ability to communicate more clearly across a variety of mediums.

What’s your big dream?
Travel! Our family loves to discover new places, both near and far.

What are you and your family passionate about?
You can always find me with a book, reading a book, or talking about a book! I’m an avid reader and am often working my way through two or three at a time. I love getting book suggestions, so if you have one for me (or want me to suggest one for you) pop by for a chat!

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I spent nine months in Australia while in college and loved every minute of it! If you ever have a chance to go, I’d say – do it!