The MPCS Executive Council is the key leadership team who helps make the day-to-day decisions in support of fulfilling the MPCS mission. We encourage you to learn more about each member as we feature the various departments weekly.
Title: Dean of Academics
Education: Bachelors Degree in Broad Area Social Studies - Education and Broadcast Journalism; Masters at University of St. Thomas; PhD - Learning Technologies at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Number of years in my profession: 28
Professional experience: I spent 26 years teaching at high schools in Minnesota and 11 years teaching at Metropolitan State University, winning the President's Award for Outstanding Teaching. I have graduate teaching experience at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities teaching Technology Integration for Teachers course to prospective teachers, as well as assessment experience working with Advanced Placement, Praxis, and National Assessment in Educational Progress through Educational Testing Service (ETS), College Board, and the US Department of Education. I've published five books related to assessment and geography content. My consulting experience has taken me around the world working with teachers in Asia, Europe, and throughout the United States, including parterning with the South Korean National Atlas Project in the United States and South Korea. Previously, I was Co-Coordinator of the Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education; was elected for the National Council for Geographic Education executive committee and finance committee, winning a national award for advancement of geography education at a national level; and was an Exam Leader for Advanced Placement Human Geography exam scoring.
Fun fact: I have traveled to all 50 states and four continents, and I love National Parks in all countries.
What I'm reading now or favorite book: Besides The Bible, I love Bill Bryson books and travel narratives.
Connections to MPCS: My son, Zach Swanson, is a student in the class of 2024 at MPCS.
What I love most about MPCS: I love the staff, students, and parents who work to build a Christ-centered community growing in their faith, intellect, and relationships.
What I love about my role at the school: I love the staff, students, and community feel of the school. Students and staff work together to achieve goals in developing lifelong learners in their faith, fellowship, and passions.
My hope for MPCS: To develop a Biblical worldview where Jesus Christ and Scripture is at the center of our students' lives and develop a passion for learning in every student that does not stop upon graduation but continues for the rest of their lives so that each student can maximize their potential to glorify Christ.
