Abby Fifer
10 Honey Hill Rd. Canaan,CT
Summary
Art educator with extensive experience in North Canaan Elementary School and Verona Area School District, specializing in innovative teaching methodologies. Expertise in fostering creativity and personal expression through student-centered curriculum design. Proven ability to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage artistic exploration and reflection.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Teacher, PK-8
North Canaan Elementary School
Canaan, CT
08.2022 - Current
- Implemented Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) to amplify student choice and voice.
- Integrated art into cross-curricular projects to enrich educational experiences.
- Utilized Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) to foster collaboration and creativity.
- Adapted instructional materials to address diverse student needs and interests.
- Coached after-school running club and facilitated various art activities.
Mentor
Art Garage
Falls Village, CT
07.2024 - Current
- Facilitated student engagement in open art studio activities for middle and high school students.
- Coordinated and led demonstrations on ceramics and wheel-throwing techniques.
Elementary Art Teacher
Verona Area School District
Verona, Wisconsin
08.2018 - 08.2022
- Introduced choice-based art curriculum, increasing engagement across all grade levels.
- Implemented Teaching for Artistic Behavior and eight Studio Habits of Mind in classrooms.
- Guided district art teachers in effective transition to TAB approach.
Substitute and Summer School Teacher
Mount Horeb Area School District
Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Served as substitute teacher across various grade levels, including elementary, middle, and high school.
- Led summer art classes at the elementary level, employing the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) approach.
Owner and Chef
Ladle and Scoop Catering and Soup
Seattle, WA And Mt. Horeb, WI
10.2007 - 05.2017
- Established and managed daily operations of organic catering and soup business.
- Oversaw website and packaging design to enhance brand identity.
- Developed innovative menus tailored to client preferences and dietary needs.
- Coordinated events to ensure seamless execution and customer satisfaction.
Elementary Art Teacher
The Rumsey Hall School
Washington, Connecticut
01.1998 - 06.2000
- Instructed children aged five to 14 in a boarding school environment.
- Enhanced middle school ceramics program, boosting student participation and engagement.
- Organized art exhibitions to showcase student artwork and foster appreciation.
- Performed duties as dorm parent, coach, and extracurricular supervisor.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN04-2025
Beginning Practicum -
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
06.2021
Alternative Art Teacher Certification Program -
Edu-CATE-WI Project Teaching
12.2018
Montessori Classroom Assistant Certification -
Seton Montessori School
Clarendon Hills, Illinois09.2013
BA - Studio Art/Ceramics
The University of Vermont
Burlington, VermontSkills
- Curriculum development
- Choice-based instruction
- Learner engagement
- Artistic integration
- Creative collaboration
- Effective communication
Volunteer Experience
- Northwest Corner Food Pantry, Lakeville, CT. Volunteer. Summer 2024 - present.
- Beehive Dementia Care, Mount Horeb, WI. Led art activities, Summer 2020.
- Children's Community School, Mount Horeb, WI. Board Member, 01/01/15 - 12/31/17.
- Girls on the Run, Mount Horeb, WI. Volunteer coach, 01/01/16.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mentor
Art Garage
07.2024 - Current
Art Teacher, PK-8
North Canaan Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
Elementary Art Teacher
Verona Area School District
08.2018 - 08.2022
Substitute and Summer School Teacher
Mount Horeb Area School District
10.2017 - 06.2019
Owner and Chef
Ladle and Scoop Catering and Soup
10.2007 - 05.2017
Elementary Art Teacher
The Rumsey Hall School
01.1998 - 06.2000
Master of Arts - Education
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Beginning Practicum -
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
Alternative Art Teacher Certification Program -
Edu-CATE-WI Project Teaching
Montessori Classroom Assistant Certification -
Seton Montessori School
BA - Studio Art/Ceramics
The University of Vermont
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