CPA is excited to introduce our new Assistant Head of Upper School, Arja Regier. We caught up with Ms. Regier this semester to learn more about her background and what she anticipates in her new role.

What is your professional background? 
I have worked for over 20 years as an educator in private Christian education, both in the classroom and in leadership. I have taught every grade, preschool through college, developed and published curriculum, and worked most recently at CPA as a Spanish teacher and Instructional Coach. My expertise is in instructional practices and curriculum. I am guided by my passion for strategically reaching all learners, cultivating a collaborative community, and a culture of belonging and accountability within my designated areas of responsibility. I am grateful for God’s continued faithfulness to equip me for the roles to which He calls me. 

Any favorite books you've read this year?
This summer, I reread some of my favorites from my college days at Wheaton, including Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning and The Hungering Dark by Frederick Buechner. I love when books can speak to you across decades and life seasons!

What are a few of your favorite resources for parenting and working with kids? 
My most trusted resources are people who have invested years in the trenches, such as friends who have raised children who are now adults, veteran teachers, respected church leaders, and seasoned counselors. I've leaned on them heavily in my parenting journey! I also love books on pedagogy, the method and practice of teaching, such as Engagement By Design, which I read in a book club with a group of CPA US teachers last year.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I love the grade-level retreats. They are such a unique opportunity and rich time for students to connect with each other and with faculty outside of the classroom, build community, have fun, be challenged in their pursuit of Jesus, and worship collectively. Plus, having been raised in northern MN, time by the lake surrounded by trees feels like home.

What is a fun fact about you or something you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel with my husband and four kids. I’m invigorated by exploring new places and creating memories filled with adventure, such as in Costa Rica and Ireland last year. I also love traveling to familiar places to see beloved friends and family, revisit beloved sights, and enjoy favorite food spots, which we did in Minnesota, San Diego, and Colorado. God reveals Himself to us through His creation, and His creation is astounding!

What makes you uniquely well-equipped to guide students and teachers in the learning process at CPA specifically?
I think what equips me most for this role is my deep love for people and for learning. I’ve spent decades as an educator in independent Christian schools, so I know the joy and the challenges of the classroom, as well as the importance of working collaboratively with your team. I’m excited to walk alongside teachers in their growth and partner with parents to walk alongside students as they follow Jesus and learn who God made them to be. I bring a collaborative spirit, a problem-solving mindset, and a deep passion for a Biblically faithful education that is also instructionally excellent. I am honored to carry forward what I’ve loved about teaching and instructional coaching into a leadership lens and to help shape the future of CPA in ways that honor its mission and strengthen its impact.