Staff Profile

“Ms. C.”  = Ms. Karen Christenson, MLL Teacher 

Hello! Konnichiwa!  I am happy to be here at Frost Lake. This year, I teach multilingual learners (MLL) in kindergarten, supporting their literacy.  

I began my teaching career as an intern for the US Department of Education’s “Multicultural Education Project” at the University of Wisconsin.  After graduating, I had the opportunity to travel and teach in Japan.   

A firm believer in “Variety as the Spice of Life,” I have enjoyed roles as a science specialist, classroom teacher, ELL teacher, curriculum specialist, and gifted and talented services coordinator during my 30-year career in Saint Paul Public Schools.  Even though each role has its own flavor, they share a common theme: Honoring the whole child and their diverse cultures, gifts, and talents.  

In my free time, I love to explore the outdoors.  If you are interested in going for a Listening Walk and trying a sound game, here is a short video my nephew and I made: https://vimeo.com/406231162

Families, I look forward to partnering with you this year!  

Thank you! Domo arigato!!  

Ms. Karen Christenson  

Email is best way to reach me:  Karen.Christenson@SPPS.org   

The Frost Lake School phone number is 651-293-8930. 

Awards: 

• Author of two “Launch into Reading!” literacy grants, 2024-2025 

• Graduate scholarship from the Patrick E. Flahaven Scholarship Fund, 2024 

• Presenter on “Multiple Perspectives” at the SPPS Culturally Responsive Instruction Expo, 2023 

• Teacher Scholarship from the Saint Paul Retired Teachers Inc., 2022 

• Author of “Enhance and Enrich” PTA grant to support student literacy, 2021 

• Author of two “Visions for Learning” grants to support inquiry and literacy, 2017 and 2019 

• Nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 2016 

• Named one of five National Outstanding Educators by Project Learning Tree, 2014