The Life Argotic

About Me

My name is Nathan Moldenhauer. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher at a high school in the Southwest Metro area of Minnesota. I am deeply committed to fostering inclusive and effective learning environments and am a PELSB certified cultural competency instructor. I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from St. Cloud State University and an EdD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Beyond my work in the classroom, I have contributed to Operation Zeus, a veterans organization dedicated to raising awareness of veterans’ suicide, PTSD, and other critical issues affecting GWOT veterans. I have also been an integral part in developing cultural competency online courses for both Education Minnesota and local school districts. Additionally, I serve as the current treasurer and a board member of the Shakopee Diversity Alliance, an all-volunteer organization focused on promoting diversity and inclusion in the community through education and advocacy.

In addition to these efforts, I have self-published ESL resources and texts designed to provide grade-level appropriate reading materials in social studies. I speak Spanish with the confidence of a native speaker and the accuracy of toddler, which enhances my ability to connect with and support my students and families with humility and humor. My research interests include Systemic Functional Linguistics, exploring teacher attitudes and beliefs, and advancing equity in education.

Philosophy of Teaching

My teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that every student has the potential to succeed when provided with the right support, environment, opportunities, and time. I am committed to creating an inclusive classroom where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to express their identities and perspectives. Language learning, in my view, is not merely about acquiring a new set of vocabulary and grammar rules; it is about opening doors to new ways of thinking, understanding, and connecting with others.

I strive to integrate culturally responsive teaching practices into my instruction, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences that my students bring to the classroom. By fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment, I aim to help students develop both their linguistic skills and their confidence as learners.

My approach to education is informed by my research in Systemic Functional Linguistics and my commitment to equity in education. I believe in the power of language as a tool for social change and work to ensure that all students have access to the language resources they need to succeed academically and beyond.

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