Visual Arts Teacher
I live in Saint Albans, Vermont, with my spouse Dan, our children Nolan and Josephine, and our two cats Cheddar and Fuji. I also happen to be one of those cheesy, but loving teachers that calls all my students my children from time to time. 🙂
Education and Professional Experiences
I attended public schools in Burlington, and went out to the Midwest to study Graphic Design at Herron School of Art & Design @ Indiana University in Indianapolis. I later earned my teaching license through the CCSU Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP). I started teaching in 2011 at Winooski Middle High School. Here I’ve taught Visual Arts classes to grades 6-12, enjoying it all.
What has been your greatest learning experience? (in or out of school)
My greatest learning experience as a teacher, has always been my ever-evolving self. The students I have taught have influenced my life in so many ways, and continue to help me grow as an individual and as a teacher in this great community.
Who do you admire and why?
- Malala Yousafzai – an activist for the education of girls
- James Franco – hilarious actor; besides his BFA in English from UCLA, he has two MFA degrees – both in writing – from Columbia and Brooklyn College, and a third MFA, in film, from New York University. He is continuing further degree studies while also teaching a graduate class that takes students through the process of making a feature-length film, and numerous acting gigs.
- Bjork – Icelandic singer; changed what music means to me; continual re-evaluation of herself and her craft; not afraid to be unique/different/
unconventional. - Jennifer Lawrence – Hunger Games … must I say more?!
- My students – no matter what is happening in their personal lives, they come to school ready to learn, grow and thrive. That takes courage, pride, strength, … so many great things!
What do you love about your current WSD position and the WSD community?
I became an ART teacher because I value how important the ARTS are in our everyday lives, in subtle and more obvious ways. I appreciate the experiences I have with students when something comes to light inside them creatively. I really enjoy using art and creativity across multiple curricula and embrace any crossover of creative thinking through the ARTS that pushes the envelope of a norm. Students teach me more than I teach them … and we are always learning as beings, co-existing here on earth.