Maggie McKenna
1st Grade Teacher
My name is Maggie McKenna. I’m originally from California, but I’ve lived in Minnesota since 2012 when I moved out here to go to school and never left. I’ve been working with kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders since 2015, and joined Spero as a paraprofessional in the 2017-2018 school year. I was a para here for 3 years while I worked on my Masters in Teaching and Academic Behavioral Strategist license at Augsburg University, and then began teaching at Spero.
I am passionate about education equity, and I strive to make sure each student is supported in progressing in academics, social skills, and emotional regulation. I love finding tools, curriculums, and strategies to meet students where they’re at and help them move forward. I’m also very serious about fun, and making sure my classroom is a warm, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
In GL 1, our focus is on building school-readiness skills and school routines, as well as literacy and math skills, with an emphasis on each student’s individual academic needs. All GL 1 students will work closely with their peers in the ASR 1 and PLS 1 classrooms to support inclusion for all students.
During my free time, I like to read, cook, and swim (especially outside in lakes in the summer). I am so excited to get to know your student and begin our new school year together! :)