Hello!

I am Jennifer Trooien (pronounced Troy-yen). My students call me Ms. Trooien or Ms. T. I joined SPPS in 2023-24 as a Latino Consent Decree MLL Teacher. I began teaching in Minnesota in 2013, but I taught in London for two years before that. I graduated in 2009 from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Spanish Linguistics and in 2014 I received my Master’s degree in K-12 ESL Education from the University of St. Thomas.

I love getting to know each of my students and discovering their strengths. The goal for my students is to become fluent and confident in English AND to develop and maintain a strong linguistic and cultural identity.

I prefer to communicate using translated text messages through the phone app, Talking Points. I also use email, or phone (with or without an interpreter), or other messaging apps like WhatsApp. The quickest way to reach me during the day is by texting me on Talking Points, Google Voice, or WhatsApp.

I grew up in Stillwater, MN and am proud to be biracial Korean American. I never learned Korean, and instead I began learning Spanish in middle school. I improved my language skills through volunteering and living in Guatemala. I like to run, swim, read, cook, and garden. I currently live with my partner, our 5-year old daughter, and our dog in St. Paul.