Meet Mahtomedi Community Education instructor Amanda Moscou!
Amanda Moscou is a teacher in the Mahtomedi Area Preschool program and leads community education classes with a nature, STEM, or literacy focus, including Curiosity Club, Family Nature Walks, Wildwood Wonders, and Spring Into a Story. She also fosters her passion for outdoor education by teaching at nature-based day camps during the summer!
This is Ms. Amanda’s first year teaching at Mahtomedi Public Schools. Previously, she taught preschool at the Science Center in Des Moines, Iowa before taking time off to be a stay-at-home parent to her three children. She has worked in a variety of settings including libraries and community-led stay and play groups, and last year she was an associate at Wildwood Preschool!
Ms. Amanda loves classes that are play-based and centered on connection–whether that is connection to nature, creativity, or community. She is passionate about providing opportunities for children to learn through play, open-ended exploration, and discovery. When asked about a proud moment from her classes, she shared about Curiosity Club, a nature-based class she created for children ages four to eight in partnership with Mahtomedi Community Education. She was inspired to create the class after reading the book, “When You Wonder, You’re Learning” by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, which explores the ideas of “trusting kids to be curious, showing kids their questions matter, and creating safe, warm, and nurturing spaces.”
When asked about what she most loves about Community Education, Ms. Amanda shared this: “it provides a great way for kids and families to connect through shared experiences." Ms. Amanda is always excited to team up on new ideas. If you have an idea for a session, send an email to communityed@isd832.net!