Grade 6-8 Language Arts
Grade 6 Language Arts
My name is Kim Munson, and I am thrilled be apart of the Paideia community as the Language Arts and Social Studies teacher for 6th grade this year! In 2002 I earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mary in Business Administration. Right after completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to join AmeriCorps and move to the Twin Cities. As an AmeriCorps volunteer, I worked as a youth and family worker in an afterschool program and believe that experience confirmed a sneaking suspicion I always had which was to become a school teacher.
I then joined a Fortune 300 brokerage and financial planning firm in Minneapolis conducting classroom training for domestic and international employees. I worked there for nearly six years all while pursuing a master's degree in education from the University of Saint Thomas. I earned my master's degree in 2008 and then finished the teaching licensure requirements so my dream of becoming a teacher would finally become a reality.
I am married to a wonderful husband and live in Apple Valley. We have a dog named Colonel who is the center of attention in our home! I love to read classical and contemporary literature and am particularly fond of works by Willa Cather, Charlotte Bronte, Kaye Gibbons, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. In my spare time I enjoy running, organizing, reading (of course!), baking cookies, and spending time with all of my nieces and nephews.
I look forward to getting to know the students and families of Paideia better this year.
Grade 7 and 8 Language Arts
My name is Danesa Bender, and I am excited to be a part of the teaching staff school at Paideia Academy! I teach 7th and 8th grade Language Arts. I really enjoy the co-teaching model at Paideia and working closely with all of the other 6/7/8 teachers. I have a degree from the University of Minnesota in English and Italian and I have a grade 5-12 teaching license in Communication Arts and Literature from Hamline University. I love reading (my favorite book is Pride and Prejudice), biking and traveling—I want to visit every continent…except maybe Antarctica! I have lived in Italy and Greece and met my husband in Italy; we now live in Minneapolis. He is a teacher, too! My motto: keep an open mind and learn something every day!
Special Education for Language Arts
My name is Anne Simon, and this will be my first year at Paideia! I am thrilled to be apart of an amazing group of educators! I graduated from Minnesota State University-Mankato in December 2008 with a K-8 licensure and a middle school specialty in communication arts and literature. I spent the last two years working in the Farmington School District mostly in 5th grade. I was also able to coach middle school volleyball as well as work with our after school tutoring program.
In my free time I enjoy coaching Junior Olympics 12U volleyball, reading many books on my new Nook, being with my friends, taking Hip Hop classes at the Y, and playing with my new baby kitten Kaluka!
Let's make it a GREAT year!
 Reading Specialist
My name is Melody Walker, and I am excited to begin my second year here at Paideia. This year I am looking forward to teaching sixth grade math. In addition to teaching math I will also be working part time as a reading specialist for general education students in grades six through eight who are not yet performing at grade level.
I graduated from Gustaus Adolphus College in 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Math. In August of 2009 I completed an additional license from St. Mary’s University as a K-12 Reading Specialist.
Growing up I lived with my parents and older brother in Texas, Utah, Delaware, and Illinois. I love to travel, play sports, watch the Twins, and spend time with my dog Sophie. In June I traveled with my mom to Alaska and had a wonderful trip. In late summer I injured my ankle playing Ultimate Frisbee, but am hoping recovery will continue to go well.
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