New substitute coordinator Emily Anderson said “the students at Blake are the kindest, most intellectually curious, and fun, engaged students that I’ve had the pleasure of working with.” She replaced Zach Dotray. As Substitute Coordinator, and will ensure that every class has a teacher every day.

With over two decades of experience in education and a passion for student engagement, Anderson brings both expertise and enthusiasm to her new role.   

Anderson began her teaching career in 2003, inspired by impactful English teachers in high school. “I realized pretty early on that’s what I want to do,” she noted. Since then, she has worked in a wide variety of educational institutions: high schools, community colleges, and universities in Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, and Minnesota.

After moving to Minnesota in 2008, Anderson worked at Saint Paul Academy in the English department, and as a substitute at Breck, Benilde-St. Margaretís, and Totino-Grace. She joined Blake in fall 2023, and started as sub-coordinator on Jan. 14, 2026.

Anderson is an avid reader and movie-lover, naming “Sula” by Toni Morrison as her favorite book and “The Battle of Algiers” as her favorite film. She also enjoys cooking, crocheting, and spending time outdoors. In the winter, she loves sledding and tubing, and in the summer, camping and swimming.

Anderson supports Minnesota’s professional women’s sports teams, cheering on the Minnesota Frost and Minnesota Lynx. When it comes to food, tacos are her favorite. She is accompanied by two pets: Anna, a golden retriever, and Lomax, a tabby cat.