Expand Your Mind 2010 Classes and Faculty PDF Print
Session A (June 21 - July 2) Session B (July 12 - July 23)


Session A (June 21 - July 2)

Algebra and Trigonometry: Gateway to Calculus (FULL)
This comprehensive and challenging course prepares the students for the SAT and ACT as well as calculus. It is structured to meet the ever-increasing demands of the mathematics classroom and the ever-increasing variety in the needs and interests of students.  Function is the underlying and unifying concept of almost every topic in this course: polynomial, logarithmic, exponential, and circular. Language is clarified by concisely worded definitions and explanations. The greatest contribution a course at this level can make to learning calculus is to provide a firm foundation through topics such as limit and continuity. This course is designed to challenge and motivate students who want to deepen and expand their knowledge of mathematics.
Abdomohammed Karimi: BS math, U of Jondi Shahpour; BS, aerospace and mechanical engineering, U of MN; MA, math and physical science, U of St. Thomas…currently teaches math and AP physics at Como Park HS, St. Paul.

Physics Phenomena (full)
This class explores how and why objects move the way they do.  Spend the time to learn what the laws of Physics mean and then apply them, pick them apart, and experience their implications.  We will examine the simplest sorts of motion, figure out the forces involved and apply them to real life situations.  Why do you feel the way you do when riding a high-speed elevator?  How fast is a roller coaster?  Does gravity act the same on all bodies?  How do rockets actually work, and can you build one that will actually launch?  Your mathematical skills will be honed with actual data, collected with a variety of equipment. Field trips to a local amusement park and other off-campus activities are anticipated.
Bob Murphy: BS Astrophysics and MEd Science Education.  29 years of physics teaching experience both in MN and overseas.  Currently teaching IB/AP Physics at St. Paul Central High School.

Math and Programming: Let the Games Begin! (few spaces left)
Did you ever wonder how that video game was really made? In this class you will uncover the mystery behind video games and create one of your very own. It will be complete with tunnels, ramps, and whatever else you can dream up. Yes, this class is all about games. Did I mention Mini golf? Bring your putter and Let the Games Begin!  So, where’s the math? It’s everywhere! We will use algebra topics to move the ball, and geometry to bounce it off the wall. Throw in some linear equations, Pythagorean theorems, random integers, and inequalities and we all start to see the math method behind the madness of programming. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or instructor’s approval.  Please bring your own TI83 or TI84 if you have one.
Scott Greseth: BA, mathematics and accounting, Luther College; MA, education, U of St. Thomas… Middle School Math teacher at Maplewood MS…currently high potential coordinator and teaches advanced math at Maplewood MS.

Body and Environment: The Adventure Begins Now (few spaces left)
As a student biologist, you will learn and understand how all aspects of the natural world interact. We’ll study how an organism is dependent on the efficient functioning of its body systems and how those systems are affected [positively and negatively] – by their environment. We will use discussion, hands-on activities, and dissection to develop a greater understanding of how these systems perform extraordinary functions. We will also explore how organisms are affected by both their biological (parasites and diseases) and physical environment (air/water quality and ecosystems).   At the end of this two week adventure, student biologists will be able to demonstrate how body systems function independently and collectively, and how different environmental conditions alter how our systems work.
Kaarin Schumacher BA, biology, Saint Olaf College; MA, education, St. Mary’s University; currently teaches Biology, Anatomy, and AP Biology at Woodbury High School.

Broadcast News Reporting (cancelled)
Try out your on-air skills as you use video cameras, microphones and digital editing equipment to create television news stories.  You will add your voice to the pictures you shoot and appear on camera as a reporter or news anchor.  We cover on-campus events, special projects by other MITY classes and features about the shops and restaurants adjacent to Macalester College.  Our stories are available for other classes to view during the two-week session and have been featured on the Internet in years past.  Students learn television production, the art of the interview and basic journalism skills as they write and organize their news stories.
Karen Boros: Former broadcast and print reporter… has taught journalism at U of St. Thomas…more than a decade as a political reporter at WCCO TV… correspondent for CBS News…State Capitol reporter for Minnesota Public Radio…got her start in the news business at the Chicago Daily News.
Ron Rogosheske: BA Radio/TV/Journalism, U of MN, graduate work UCLA, St. John’s, Santa Fe, and U of MN… Board member, Northern Dakota County Cable Television Commission… President, Magnetic Light, Inc., a media production company… taught video production and computer technology in the St. Paul Schools.

Say What? (few spaces left)
This speech course is designed for any talented youth—whether you like to dazzle people with data, persuade them with passion, move them with melodrama, or lighten their moods with laughter. This course will help you overcome and cope with stage jitters, give you the confidence needed in any public speaking situation, hone your communication skills, and allow you to explore various types of speech and performance.  The beginner speaker will be able to start to show off his/her new skills in a safe environment; the intermediate speaker will be stretched to new levels; and the advanced speaker will have an opportunity to further his/her skills.  We will have several experts share their knowledge, watch national high-school competitors, and enjoy lots of activities and games.
Susan Olsen: BA, English and religion, St. Olaf College, summa cum laude…pursuing MA and licensure in School Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy at Adler Graduate School…currently teaching language arts at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN…former Head Assistant Coach of their Nationally-recognized Speech Team.Rob DuBois: BA theatre, University of Minnesota.  Currently teaches language arts, directs plays, and coaches Speech Team at St. Anthony Village High School.

All Roads Lead to Rome: An Introduction to Latin and to Roman Culture (2 spaces left)
Is Latin a dead language? Minime! That's Latin for "No way!" Latin and the culture of ancient Rome are very much alive in our own language and society. In fact, 60% of the English language comes from Latin. Using the Cambridge Latin course, we will learn the fundamentals of the Latin language with special emphasis on word roots, suffixes, prefixes and vocabulary building.  We will also study ancient Roman—its art, songs, customs, architecture and myths. An "architectural scavenger hunt" in downtown St. Paul and a visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art's art collection will be two highlights of this course.  An authentic Roman banquet will be the culmination of this course!
Mary Rossini: BA Classical Studies, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, Latin Ed/English Ed. U of MN; MA candidate in English, U of MN …currently teaching at Mounds Park Academy.

MITY Jazz
The Jazz program is a concentrated study of jazz music and performance.  Based on auditions, students are placed in one of two big bands and a combo. Music listening, jazz history, jazz technique and style, and improvisation are an integral part of the daily schedule for these groups. Visiting guest artists demonstrate and teach techniques, style and interpretation through demonstration and discussion.
Public performances are important to these classes. Both bands will play for several audiences. MITY Jazz ends with evening performances in the Janet Wallace Concert Hall at Macalester College.  Auditions are required for all applicants. Audition dates are Friday, April 30, 3:30 - 6:30 pm at Ramsey JH; Saturday May 1, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm at South HS; Monday, May 3, 3:30 - 6:30 pm, at Ramsey JH. Applicants will be contacted by email with addition information and to schedule auditions.  Indicate on your application the instrument you play. 
Scott Carter: BA music ed, U of M…trumpet player… director of bands at Minneapolis South High School.
Corey Needleman: BM, music ed., U of M...percussionist, director of bands and orchestra at Ramsey JH, St. Paul.
Chris Thomson: BA, music ed, U of M… saxophonist, active professional  jazz musician in the Twin Cities.

Acting Symposium (few spaces left)
Acting Symposium introduces students to many of the disciplines and methods of acting, including stage and on camera work. Acting as a career will be discussed, and students will have the opportunity to work with professional actors from the Twin Cities area.  An interest in theater and a willingness to perform on stage and on camera are important prerequisites for the course.  Activities will include work with both improvisation and scripted pieces. Music and movement will be included. The workshop will culminate with a presentation of selected class activities.
Ross Young MEd, English Ed, U of MN…has appeared and directed at Hey City Stage, Dudley Riggs’ theater; and other area stages…currently teaches English at Osseo Area Learning Center…works as an actor, director, and commercial talent in the Twin cities.

Creative Writing: "Stories are light. Tell...a story. Make some light." (Full)
Be you India Opal Buloni, a soldier brave and true (and a boy of ten), Edward Tulane almost entirely made of china, a dirty dog named for a grocery store, a small mouse (named for sadness) with ears too big, or even a princess named Pea we hope you will join us as we celebrate a decade of dancing with wondrous words. Kevin and Mike would love to see you as MITY writers embark yet again on our own miraculous journey. Like Despereaux we will challenge ourselves to confront foes and forms, knowing our poems, stories, essays, and peers will lead us back to the light. As always we will be swept away, though hopefully not overboard like Edward, in the whackiness and wonder of MITY time. In the end, though, we will wend our ways back home, though our journeys and jottings may have led us far afield. Perhaps, soup may even be served, regardless of any laws against it - or at least a stew seasoned with the special strengths of stunning MITY minds.
Michael Main: Couldn’t be 5’9” even if gravity worked in his favor.  BA English, Drew U: MA ED, U of St. Thomas….Loves Shakespeare, British mythology, Orson Card Bean, Ultimate Frisbee.  He teaches Shakespeare, film and creative writing at Cretin-Derham Hall.
Kevin Lally: Loves BA English, St. John’s U: enrolled MA ED at the U of M.  Currently teaching English, journalism, and speech at Cretin-Derham Hall.

DiCamillo, Kate. The Tale of Despereaux. New York: Scholastic, 2003. Print.

Mock Trial (few spaces left)
Are you interested in the legal system?  Do you enjoy discussing issues?  Do you want to improve your public speaking skills?  If you do you should take the exciting new course: Mock Trial.  Taught by a former trial attorney and a history teacher, this course takes you inside the courtroom, to learn what it’s like to be an attorney, or a witness in this exciting setting.  You will spend time exploring fact situations and legal issues, and will participate in two full-length mock trials, one civil and criminal.   Guest speakers with experience in competitive mock trial, as well as the legal system will help deepen your understanding.  This course is perfect for students interested in performance, debate, speech, or the legal system.
Tom Fones: BA, Political Science, Macalester College; JD, William Mitchell College of Law…Currently teaching Law &Justice Seminar at St. Paul Academy and Summit School…Has previously taught debate workshop at MITY.
James Lewis:
BA, history, political science, Kenyon College; MA, history, Pennsylvania State U.  Currently teaching US and world history at St. Paul Academy and Summit School.

Art of Storytelling (cancelled)
Learn to hone your innate, human talent of telling stories, the art form that is as old as language itself.  This course is ideal for the competitive speech student or the brand newcomer to oral interpretation. Learn to ad lib a story.  Hear exciting stories from new friends.  Meet professional storytellers. Participate in friendly, active exercises designed to help you learn new stories and new techniques for telling your own stories as well as classic stories from literature.  This class will above all teach fun. We will look for opportunities to perform our stories in the community.  The class will culminate in a festival of stories and storytelling for a live audience.
David West: BA, liberal arts, Metro State U, MA, Education, U of St. Thomas, Director with Dream Guild Theatre Company and Hillcrest Community Theatre, as well as 20 years experience directing school plays and musicals… Storyteller, musician, playwright, and actor…currently teach English and Theatre at Southwest HS, Minneapolis.

Studio Art: Seeing through Drawing and Painting (cancelled - please check session B)
In this art course we will expand our ability to see with sensitivity and to translate this visual information with expression. The emphasis will be learning through creation and development of drawings and paintings.  We will examine the process through which an artist develops through both themes and technique, and how they are related. Using the elements and principles of art and design we will critique our work and that of others, learning how to better evaluate art in a positive environment.  Our subjects will include still life, figure, and landscape in modes of both realism and abstraction.   A variety of media, both traditional and non-traditional, will be used including graphite, charcoal, ink, gouache, and acrylic on a variety of surfaces. All applicants are required to submit a sample of their work - a self portrait or a still life.

CSI: MITY (fw spaces left)
Have you ever thought about becoming a forensic scientist? Have you wanted to examine documents and analyze fingerprints and DNA? Here’s your chance to learn and practice some of the scientific techniques forensic scientists use to solve crimes. Forensic scientists are trained to use science as it relates to the law. We will learn about evidence, how to collect and process it, how to analyze DNA and fingerprints, and how to solve the clues left at a crime scene. We’ll talk to experts in forensics – they’ll visit our class and we’ll visit where they work. We’ll also look at the legal and ethical issues involved in crime solving.  Students should have a basic understanding of DNA and genetics for this course, plus curiosity and a problem solving attitude. Jennifer Magdal: BS, Chemistry, University of MN, M.Ed., University of MN.  Teaches 9th grade forensics/physical science and chemistry at St. Louis Park Senior High.


Session B (July 12 - July 23)

BEGINNING DEBATE (few spaces left)
Have you ever pictured yourself as a lawyer defending clients or prosecuting an accused person? Can you see yourself persuading the Congress to vote for your proposed law? Do you enjoy learning and arguing about controversial issues? Do you like to win arguments with others and impress your teachers in class debates?  You will learn how to research, argue, and speak effectively on controversial issues using different debate formats. You will use your skills to persuade debate judges and convince audiences to accept your ideas. You will gain that will help you in high school, college, your future career and life.  This class is for students with little or no debate experience. You should be interested in researching, working with other students, and speaking in front of audiences.
Bob Ihrig: BA history, Macalester College; MA history, MN State U, Mankato… coached high school debate from 1973 to 1999… currently teaching at Mankato West HS.
Gail Sarff: BA, speech and communications, U of Iowa, MA English and education, U of MN…has coached debate for 33 years in Iowa and Minnesota… currently teaching at Wayzata HS.

Journalism: My column, My blog (cancelled)
The best writers at newspapers, magazines and Internet sites are selected to write columns that frequently become the signature of the publication.  In this class you will learn how to write two column styles.
You will learn to write opinion columns and make a strong argument for your point of view.  You will also work on columns sharing your personal experiences with your readers.  In both formats you will be able to select your own topics.  Our goal is to produce work that is focused, logical and holds the reader’s attention.  This is a course that will improve your writing and storytelling techniques.
Karen Boros: Former broadcast and print reporter… has taught journalism at U of St. Thomas…more than a decade as a political reporter at WCCO TV… correspondent for CBS News…State Capitol reporter for Minnesota Public Radio…got her start in the news business at the Chicago Daily News.

The Improvisation Project (Class is full)
Come try a class where our work is our play! We’ll think on our feet, have fun meeting new people and nurture our imaginations while creating theatre out of thin air.  There’s singing, dancing, stage combat, acting challenges, and comedic stunts of astonishing proportions!  We take a group of diverse people who may not know each other or know a lot about improvisation, and in two short weeks, we’re performing a completely improvised show together like we’ve been a troupe for years.  A great choice for the budding or seasoned actor, but also for anyone who wants to experience fresh and useful ways of interacting with new friends, The Improvisation Project is an event!
David West: BA, liberal arts, Metro State U, MA, Education, U of St. Thomas, Director with Dream Guild Theatre Company and Hillcrest Community Theatre, as well as 20 years experience directing school plays and musicals… Storyteller, musician, playwright, and actor…currently teaching English and Theatre at Southwest HS, Minneapolis.
Nicole Kronzer: BFA theatre, U of WI—Stevens Point, Education, U of MN—Twin Cities…long-time professional improvisational actor and teacher in the Twin Cities with such groups as the Brave New Workshop, The Great American History Theatre, Stevie Ray’s Comedy Troupe, and Gremlin Theatre…currently teaching English and directing plays at Champlin Park HS, Champlin, MN.

Seeing Things With Video (only 2 spaces left)
This hands-on course provides an introduction to creative video. Working collaboratively, we’ll make many kinds of videos with music, poetry, writing, dance, theater, and visual arts playing into the creative process.  You will discover many ways of seeing people, ideas, relationships, feelings, nature, music, and animals. You will learn how to see a good idea and record it on video. This process includes script writing and story boarding, using various camera techniques and special effects, and digital editing.  A compilation montage of the videos we make will be shared on the last day and each student will receive a copy of the DVD.  The class is designed for students at all skill levels. While no previous technical experience is necessary, self-motivation is very important.
Mike Hazard: BA art, English, Macalester College… writes, produces, directs nationally telecast programs… creates unique multimedia installations in museums, storefronts and art galleries…aka Media Mike.
David Bengtson: BA English, Concordia College, Moorhead, MA English, U of MN…creative writer and high school teacher for 33 years, most recently at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle HS…presents national workshops on writing and video.

Pstimulating Psummer Psychology (2 spaces left)
How is it that you remember a conversation from seven years ago, but forget the quadratic formula when you need it on a quiz? What determines what you like and dislike? Is your personality something you’re born with or does it change over time? Are dreams your brain’s way of telling you something?   In this course we examine a variety of topics including learning, memory, intelligence, nature vs. nurture, states of consciousness, emotion, psychological development and personality. We will look at the theories of Freud, Watson, Skinner, Jung, Erikson and others to help discover why we are the way we are. Personal inventories, lively class discussions, experiments, and at least one field trip will help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and others.
Susan Olsen: BA, English and religion, St. Olaf College, summa cum laude…pursuing MA and licensure in School Counseling as well as Marriage and Family Therapy at Adler Graduate School…currently teaching language arts at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN.

Write Stuff: Produce, Polish and Publish  (FULL)
Get to write, including in a college computer lab. Get your creative writing abilities stretched. Get how to break through writer’s block.  Get to look at it again and again to make it better (ReReRe*Vision). Get constructive feedback from a professional writer. Conference. Get to meet with a professional editor. Get fellow young writers who love to write.  Leave with ideas and experience and confidence. Leave with your writing polished and ready to publish, a professional cover letter, a list of names and addresses of likely markets looking for YOUR writing. Leave a submission package in the mailbox. Leave the world changed.
Jack Kreitzer: BS, U of SD, Medical School, U of SD….rumored to be the secret  identity of Wordman, is a poet, educator, and catalyst…published six volumes of poetry, taught creativity at universities.  Currently working as a writing specialist and artist-in-residence in Minnesota schools.

Operation Citizen (cancelled)
This is a fast-paced, hands-on class in which the students will research and simulate all aspects of citizenship.   The goal of this class is to look at how the citizens in our community change our government and how our
government changes the citizens in our community.  We will look at the Judicial branch by debating historic court cases, doing mock trials in class, and going to the United States District Court and the Minnesota Supreme court.  We will look at the Executive branch by debating the powers of the branch, doing a Presidential Slam, and going to Minneapolis City Hall.  We will look at the Legislative branch by creating a law, looking at
how a bill becomes a law, and going to the State Capitol.  We will look at the role of a citizen locally by doing a town hall meeting and a school board meeting.  We will look at the role of citizens in the nation by doing mock Congress and morality debates.   We will look at the role of a citizen globally by doing Model United Nations
and going to the Canadian Consulate.
Tom Rodefeld: BA, History, Augsburg College; MA, curriculum & instruction U of MN, secondary education license…currently teaches social studies at Irondale HS in Mounds View, where he coaches trac, hockey and volleyball.

Lyric Theater Magic! (Musicals, Operettas, and Operas) (2 spaces left)
Join the lyric theater team of James and Melinda McKeel as you perform fully-staged songs and scenes from the greatest musicals, operettas, and operas of all time! We start with an introduction to the rich history of lyric theater and then begin two exciting weeks of individual and group instruction and rehearsals in drama, music, improvisation, and singing. We end with a fast-paced and entertaining lyric theater performance for family, friends, and your MITY peers. We are looking for talented young singer/actors who enjoy working in a supportive, challenging, and creative environment! When you send in your application and recommendation, remember to tell us the following:

  1. Are you a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass?
  2. Do you read music?
  3. Do you play any instruments?

James McKeel: Professor of Music, St. Olaf College…teacher, director, performer, and composer…has performed over 80 roles with Minnesota Opera Company, Santa Fe Opera, Muny Opera, England’s Aldeburgh Festival, Guthrie Theater, Minnesota and St. Paul Chamber Orchestras… currently teaching Opera Workshop, Acting for the Lyric Stage, and Performance Studies and has composed and premiered over 70 major musical works.
Melinda McKeel: BA Music Ed., Westminster College…Owner - Melinda McKeel Piano Studio.  Pianist/coach in opera, musical theater…director choral and instrumental ensembles…performances at Schubert Club, Hennepin Music Series, St. Olaf College ,U of MN.

FORENSICS-You Can't Get Away With Anything!!! (2 spaces left)
How would you like to learn about normal and abnormal brain functions and characteristics of notorious serial killers? Maybe you would like to learn how investigators interrogate suspects. Maybe lying and polygraph techniques interest you.  Forensics-You Can't Get Away With Anything- will take you through an in depth journey exploring such topics as handwriting analysis, blood splatter analysis, the secret art of surveillance, making and breaking secret codes, and much more! A Special field trip to the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center where the SWAT team trains will complete the experience.  Join us for a rigorous exploration of Forensics and learn why-You Can't Get Away With Anything!!!
Mary Hanson: BA, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science-U of WI-River Falls. Four times recognized in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and in the National Honor Society-Outstanding America's Teachers-premier publication 2005-2006. Member of NAIS-National Association of Investigative Specialists, SPPD Reserve Police Officer. Currently teaching Chemistry, Pre-AP Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Forensic Science at Arlington HS, St. Paul.

Pre-Calculus (few spaces left)
This course covers topics that traditionally follow an algebra course and are arranged in two broad components: 
Component 1 covers elementary functions. These include polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric (circular) functions and their combinations. A section covers sequences, series and combinatorial problems, and eventually moves into differential
Component 2 contains a treatment of plane geometry including vectors. The usual work with lines and planes is presented along with concepts dealing with conic sections, other coordinate systems, and parametric representation of curves and surfaces.  Prerequisites: Algebra and trigonometry (either completed or taken simultaneously); student must be extremely motivated and a team worker.
Abdomohammed Karimi: BS, math, U of Jondi Shahpour; BS, aerospace and mechanical engineering, U of MN; MA, math and physical science, U of St. Thomas…currently teaches math and AP physics at Como Park HS, St. Paul.

Chemistry is a Blast! (full)
Explore the world of chemistry in an outstanding Macalester lab. In two short weeks, you will investigate many of the topics reserved for high school chemistry. You will experiment with wondrous materials and find out what makes them tick.  You will discover the balancing forces of nature.  You will take a look into the nature of matter itself.  This class is all about labs: Develop your fingerprints with iodine! Freeze marshmallows with dry ice! Measure the energy content of different foods by burning them! Titrate vinegar to measure its acid content! Dissolve styrofoam! Create slime! Bring your questions and your curiosity. When we combine fun experiments with useful information, using a catalyst of curiosity, the product is some real chemistry!  Will there be explosions? YES!
Melissa Baker: BA, Biochemistry, UM Morris… M.Ed., University of MN…teaches 9th grade physical science and chemistry at Delano HS. Enjoys judging and coaching gymnastics and running races.
Emily Binder: BA, Chemistry and General Science, North Park University (Chicago)…M.Ed., University of MN...teaches chemistry at St. Louis Park High School and ExplorSchool.  Loves to laugh, bike, and bak.

Astrophysics: Light, Waves, and the Physics of Stars (few spaces left)
Human beings have always been intrigued by the stars in the night sky. How can we claim to know so much about objects that are so far away from our planet?  The answer? Astrophysics
Examine the science behind “light” and electromagnetic waves. Use Reflection and Refraction to understand how lenses and mirrors work; combine these optical elements to learn about telescopes.  Other activities include analysis of the motion of local objects (Moon, Sun, etc) as well as an optional late-night observation session in the Macalester Observatory.  Use computer simulations and other resources to learn about how stars form, evolve, and finish their life in our universe.  A field trip to the Bunker Hills Wave Pool is anticipated.
Bob Murphy: BS Astrophysics and MEd Science Education.  29 years of  physics teaching experience both in MN and overseas.  Active amateur astronomer.  Currently teaching IB/AP Physics at St. Paul Central High School


Studio Art: Personal Vision through Visual Communication (few spaces left)
Developing an artistic personal vision and expression will be the focus of this course. The elements and principles of drawing and painting will be explored through line, space, shape, value, perspective, proportion and composition. You will use a variety of media such as pencil, charcoal, ink, pastel and acrylic paint and experiment with a range of techniques, including silk painting. The first week we will cover such basics as still life, the human figure, portraits, and landscapes.  The second week you will work on communicating artistically around themes and issues that are important to you.  This is an intensive studio art class which will include demonstrations and class critiques.
Prerequisite: Students new to the class must submit one to two examples of their strongest works: a self-portrait and/or a still life.
Cecily Spano: BA, painting, College of St. Benedict’s, MED, U of MN.  Cecily Spano was named “Minneapolis teacher of the year” in 2006.  She has been teaching drawing, painting, and  IB art at Minneapolis’ Southwest HS.  Her students have won countless national awards.

Architecture and Place (few spaces left)
When people buy and furnish a home, or when they make a space on a table to do homework, or find a seat on the bus, they are constructing places that meet their emotional and physical needs.  Architects do the same things, with more permanent materials.  This course will introduce students to how architects see the world, and the tools they use to study it.  Students will explore architecture through drawing, model making, computer models, and critical questioning.  Studio reviews, an opportunity for students to present and review work, will introduce students to the vocabulary of architecture: site, material, structure, scale, form, and space.  Students are challenged to see inside their work.  What is it like to be there?  Photography and computer rendering are used to increase engagement.  Past field trips include visits to a home by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a public space by Maya Lin.
Ted MacLeod, BA, Mathematics, Studio Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Macalester College; M of Arch., U of MN.  13 years in Architectural practice.