Hello Family and Students, 

This year we are engaged in an exciting change.  I am working with a partner teacher in learning.  I will be teaching literacy and science for a wonderful group of 4th graders and another great group of 5th graders.   My partner teacher is Ms. Polly Olson in room 238.  She will be working with this same group of students teaching mathmatics and social studies this year.  

My background in teaching: 

I have 30+ years in education.  Prior to coming to Jenny Lind  I spent seven years coaching teachers through the Teaching and Learning Department for Minneapolis Public Schools.  I managed a program called Arts for Academic Achievement.  Our job was to connect artist and teachers to support deep learning for students by using the arts.   I also worked with teachers to develop their skills in teaching writing through the arts.

I have taught in many places and many grades.   I was a 4th – 6th grade teacher at Marcy Open School in SE Mpls for 20 years.   I have also taught at a Montessori School and a pre school program for special needs students.

 My passion is teaching through the arts. I find that curious minds exploring and learning about the world is as good as it gets.

 My goals is to engage students in cultivating curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking as we engage in the challenging work of serious learning together. I work to share learning experiences with students that will help them see and feel the world through of the eye of an artist, the curiosity of a scientist, the insight of a reader and writer, and the precision of a mathematician.

 You are always welcome in our classroom whether as a volunteer, an “expert” with something to share, or a casual visitor.  

Joanne Toft ( joanne.toft@mpls.k12.mn.us)