Introducing Todd Larson - Stage II Associate Teacher

10/10/2024

This post is part of a series introducing our new faculty for the 2024-2025 school year. Please be sure to introduce yourselves to them!

TODD LARSON

From Meghan Stott, Lower School Director:

I am delighted to welcome Todd Larson to the Roeper Community. Todd is a familiar face at Roeper, having served as a guest teacher across all divisions since 2007. He holds a bachelor's degree in art from the University of Michigan, and his passion for both art and music is evident in much of his work.

In 2021, Todd demonstrated his versatility by serving as a long-term substitute in Lower School music. He also teaches guitar and works individually with several Roeper students, further showcasing his musical expertise.

Todd's teaching experience extends beyond Roeper. He has taught at Frankel Jewish Academy and recently held a long-term guest teaching position in Bloomfield Hills. There, he applied the pedagogical skills honed at Roeper to foster a positive culture in an elementary classroom.

During his sample lesson, Todd impressed us with a dynamic exploration of Detroit's Heidelberg Project. Students had the opportunity to create their own art using various materials, followed by a written reflection and peer discussion of their work. This lesson exemplified Todd's ability to integrate creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.

We are confident that Todd will bring his creative energy and talent for connecting with students to the Stage II classroom. His diverse experience and innovative teaching approach make him a valuable addition to our community.

Todd's answers to our questions:

What is your new position at Roeper - details like what subjects you will be teaching, which division and are you working with other faculty?

My position is an associate teacher in Stage II teaching with Sarah Smith.

What were one or two highlights of your life?

My most recent highlight was getting married. I met my wife Roz at Founders Day at Roeper 2 years ago. We got married at Roeper on our birthdays. (We share the same birthday). I am an hour older than she. Roz teaches at the Upper and Middle school.

If you could live anywhere worldwide for a year, where would it be and why?

Although I am completely happy and content where I currently reside, I would love to live somewhere warm by the ocean. I believe being by water fills the soul and enhances one’s psychological state.

What would you like to share about yourself, your family, and your birthplace?

I was born in Michigan and have lived in the metro Detroit area my entire life. My parents were both teachers as well as my grandparents. I have a younger sister who I am very close with and who is also an educator. I have three sons, a stepdaughter and a stepson. All our children are very close and great friends.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I am a musician and teach guitar lessons. I am in a local instrumental band, and we play several shows a year. We do a lot of improvisation and come up with new musical ideas on the spot. I am also a sponsored Wakeboarder and teach Wakeboarding and Wake Surfing lessons over the summer months. I am an artist and enjoy ceramics, drawing, painting and photography.

What is a topic or skill that you love to teach or share and why?

I love teaching literature and math. I also enjoy teaching art. I believe all subjects are important and have many cross-over properties and characteristics.

What is it that appealed to you about Roeper when you took the position?

I have been guest teaching at Roeper since 2007. I believe in the school’s philosophy, the community and what it stands for. Roeper has been home to me for quite sometime and it is an honor and a privilege to teach at this amazing institution.

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Introducing Todd Larson - Stage II Associate Teacher

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