"Childhood should be a journey, not a race."

Welcome to First Grade! My name is Mariana Tennyson. This is my 37th year of teaching- wow, I really don't feel that old! I have taught 1st grade for the past 13 years. There is so much growth from the first day to the last day of 1st grade. First graders are so enthusiastic about everything in their lives. They love order, facts, and safety. I have just been handed the best class ever. I look forward to working with every family that enters my classroom. The students of Horace Mann are delightful! I have been here since 1999 and find them to be smart, focused, kind, collaborative, and highly inquisitive. 

During my years in education, I have thoroughly enjoyed roles as a gifted and talented specialist, Reading Recovery teacher, building content coach, as well as a Title 1 specialist for reading and mathematics.   Even though each role has its own flavor, they all have a common theme: honoring the whole child and the diverse cultures, gifts, and talents that each student brings to learning.

I live in Eagan with my husband, dogs- Lindy Lou and Laney, and 2 birds- Loco and Jose. I have a son, Robert, who has just finished his Ph.D. program at the University of Washington and is now working on a post doc at Penn State on stress and aging. He is looking for a professor opening for the following year. Hopefully, the position will land him a bit closer to home. Luckily, my daughter lives close to home. She purchased her first home 3 years ago in Robinsdale. It has been fun watching her transform an average home into the house of her dreams. She is currently working for non-profits and loves her job. I love it when she stops by with her partner Tyler for dinner on the weekends.

My family and I enjoy traveling and have visited countries all over the world. We love to immerse ourselves in other cultures. What a wonderful window into our world! When we are not traveling, I keep busy swimming, biking, hiking, gardening, and reading. Nothing beats a hot summer's day relaxing in the pool with a good book!

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.  If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mariana Tennyson - 1st/2nd Grade Teacher

651.293.8965

mariana.tennyson@spps.org

B.S. Elementary Education and Remedial Reading, Iowa State University
M.S. work in Curriculum and Instruction, Iowa State University and Gifted & Talented, University of St. Thomas
Reading Recovery Certificate, University of Minnesota
Gifted & Talented Certificate, University of St. Thomas