Dynamic and award-winning art educator and graphic designer with over two decades of experience in leading innovative art programs and developing impactful curricula. With an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, and certifications in Texas (EC-12) and AP Studio Art, expertise lies in integrating technology and modern design principles into education. Proven leadership in driving district-wide art events, securing technology grants, and achieving student success in statewide competitions enhances the educational landscape. Committed to elevating art education, empowering students to explore their creative potential, and delivering compelling visual solutions as a seasoned freelance designer.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Art Teacher
Leonard Middle School
Fort Worth
09.2023 - Current
Company Overview: Fort Worth ISD
Developed and implemented visual art curriculum that complies with curriculum standards and all relevant policies and procedures established by Fort Worth ISD and Texas Education Association
Present lessons in a clear, well-organized and logical structure, using a clear, easily understood voice that embraces enthusiasm and optimism
Understand the learning styles and needs of assigned students
Conduct ongoing, formal, and informal assessment of student learning
Utilize data effectively to inform instruction
Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
Provide leadership for both students and staff members while a sponsor for statewide and afterschool programs: Jr.-VASE, Art club, and various community and district art competitions
Volunteered to organize and execute stage and event decorations for Homecoming Dance, Black History Event, and Variety Student Talent Show
Maintained current displays of student artwork every six and decorated seasonal décor in main campus hallway
Fort Worth ISD
District Lead Art Teacher/Teacher on Special Assignment Assistant- Art (EC-12th)
Universal Academy LTTS Charter School
Coppell
08.2007 - 09.2023
Developed and implemented visual art curriculum that complies with curriculum standards and all relevant policies and procedures established by Texas Education Association
Provide leadership in developing and insuring district wide continuity of the Fine Arts instructional and extra-curricular programs to achieve high standards of mandated TEKS
Present lessons in a clear, well-organized and logical structure, using a clear, easily understood voice that embraces enthusiasm and optimism
Understand the learning styles and needs of assigned students
Provide leadership in the planning and execution of district wide Theatrical performance, Visual Art Shows, and other Fine Arts events
Executed creating the decoration and props for the stage Theatrical performances, Visual Art Shows, Homecoming, Prom, and other Fine Arts events, and creating large painted murals for seasonal events
Maintained displays of current student artwork throughout the school on two campuses
Provide leadership for both students and staff members while a sponsor for statewide and afterschool programs: UIL- Theatrical Design, UIL-VASE, Yearbook, Art club
Effectively plan and use appropriate instructional interventions, strategies, activities, materials, and equipment to add educational value for each student
(ESL, GT, at-risk, etc.) Demonstrate sound knowledge of subject matter and utilize technology as required to support student learning
Conduct ongoing, formal, and informal assessment of student learning
Utilize data effectively to inform instruction
Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
Establish and maintain favorable relationships with parents, local community groups, and individuals to foster understanding and support for overall objectives of fine arts programs
Collaborate with classroom teachers to support and enhance the instructional program
Manage student behavior effectively and in accordance with the treatment plan if applicable, the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook
Give directions both verbally and visually, when appropriate
Establish and maintain open communication with the principal, professional support personnel, teachers, facility staff, parents, and students
Participate and conduct weekly faculty meetings, committee meetings and staff development as required
Conducted effective instruction for staff development classes on how to incorporate art in the classroom
Provide time and attention equitably among all students while circulating freely and spontaneously around the classroom
Demonstrate attitudes and behaviors that value diversity and a growth mindset while employing strategies that motivate, encourage and promote high performance in all students
Exhibit teacher/student interactions that reflect politeness, warmth, praise and cooperation
Classroom Technology Grant recipient for consecutive two years from Texas Cultural Trust to bring technology into the fine arts classes and 21st century teaching knowledge of Art and Media Communications the new wave of Graphic Design
Developed and implemented CTE classes for the first time this year at the Coppell campus teaching Fashion Design-teaching a life skill to students on how to sew
Interior Design & Architecture-teaching them how to use digital software
To include implementing a yearbook class
Education
MFA-2004 - Fine Art degree with an emphasis in Studio Art and Painting
New York Academy of Art
New York, NY
01-2004
BFA-2002 - Fine Art degree with an emphasis in Painting
Cameron University
Lawton, OK
01-2002
Skills
Proficient with macOS
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
Proficiency in Macromedia Dreamweaver MX
Proficiency in Windows/Microsoft programs
Proficiency in Corel Draw 12
Proficiency in Publisher
Operational skills for offset printing press
Operational skills for digital printing machines
Operational skills for office machines
Proficient in screen-printing
Proficient in color separation
Proficient with pre-press operations
Graphic Design
Certification
Standard State of Texas Teacher Certification Art (EC-12), Active
AP Studio Art Certification through College Board, Active
Exhibitions
15, Studio 7 Art Gallery- AANYAA Alumni art exhibit in Bernardsville, NJ May 1, 2015 to May 30, 2015.
13, Dallas Trade Market Center- Art Exhibition and Trade Booth at 'Dallas Sample Sale' Nov. 7-10, 2013.
10/12/13, October event - 'Artistic Explosion'- Faculty and Student Art Show/Fundraiser at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Resort, Grapevine, TX.
07, 'Body Image Art Auction 2007' Chrysalis Eating Disorder Clinic in Denton, TX on June 22, 2007.
06, '100 Oklahomans for 100 Oklahomans' Eleanor Kirkpatrick gallery in Oklahoma City, OK on November 17, 2006 to January 2007.
06, The Annual 'Take Home A Nude' Auction /Exhibition for the New York Academy of Art at the Phillips De Pury in October 2006.
04, MFA/ Thesis Exhibition at the New York Academy of Art, New York, NY.
03, Andy Warhol Exhibition at the New York Academy of Art, New York, NY.
02, BFA/ Senior Art Exhibition at Cameron University, Lawton, OK.
01, 'Together We Stand' at the Great Plains Museum, Lawton, Oklahoma: Art show honoring the victims of the 911.
01, Art show at the Southwestern Pride Gallery, Lawton, Oklahoma.
99, 'Bridging the Millennium' a show for the arts at Cameron University.
Professional Memberships
NAEA National Art Educators Association, Member
CAA/ College Art Association, Past member
Cameron University Alumni Association, Member, Lawton, OK
Lawton, Fort Sill Arts Council, Member
AANYAA/ Alumni Association of New York Academy of Art, Member
Dallas Museum of Art, Affiliated
Training
03/07/13, Active Member and attended March 8-10 at, NAEA National Art Educators Association national convention held in Fort Worth, TX Convention Center.
11/12/11, Attended 'Sharon Louden's Professional Practices Boot Camp' for the Alumni Association of the New York Academy of Art held at the New York Academy of Art, New York, NY.
04, Jenny Saville master class at the New York Academy of Art, New York New York.
03, Private painting lessons in the fall at Caravaggio Studios by Peter Cox, New York New York.
03, Attended a grant writing workshop at the Foundation Center, New York, NY.
Honors And Awards
23, 1st Place Recycled Art Competition- Award for recycled art competition by the Wellman Foundation and the City of Fort Worth, TX.
16/17, Award Certificate of Appreciation as UIL Coach, from Universal Academy LTTS Charter School, Irving TX.
14/15, Awarded 'Step Up Award' and 'Best Campus Support' personnel, from Universal Academy LTTS Charter School, Irving TX.
12/13, Award Certificate of Appreciation as UIL Coach, from Universal Academy LTTS Charter School, Irving TX.
11/12, Award for 'Teacher of the Year 2012' from my school and district.
10/11, Award for Dedication and Commitment / Art, from Universal Academy LTTS Charter School, Irving TX.
09, State of Texas congratulations certificate as the Art Teacher from the office of State Representative Linda Harper-Brown of District 105 annual student art gallery at the state capitol.
08, State of Texas congratulations certificate as the Art Teacher from the office of State Representative Linda Harper-Brown of District 105 annual student art gallery at the state capitol.
07, State of Texas congratulations certificate as the Art Teacher from the office of State Representative Linda Harper-Brown of District 105 annual student art gallery at the state capitol.
07, A cash award for my art department at Universal Academy due to my students winning at the 'Very Important Planet MacArthur Crossing Art Contest' in Irving TX.
04, Publication: July article about artist and experiences in New York, The Lawton Constitution, Lawton OK.
02, Publication of Painting 'Grandma's Kitchen', in 'Oklahoma Today' magazine Sept. edition.
01/02, McMahon Foundation Scholarship of Lawton, OK: Awarded by Cameron University Art Department for both fall and spring semester.
01, Award the Leslie Powell Gallery Internship of Lawton OK awarded for the fall semester.
00/01, McMahon Foundation Scholarship of Lawton, OK: Awarded by the Cameron University Art Department for both fall and spring semester.
Additional Teaching Experience
08/09, ACT of Houston at Dallas/ Alternative certification program, Dallas, TX
03, Spring semester part time Student Teaching at Washington Irving High School, New York, NY
01/02, Afterschool part time art programs at various local elementary schools part of a VSA program promoting the arts., Lawton, OK
Timeline
Art Teacher
Leonard Middle School
09.2023 - Current
District Lead Art Teacher/Teacher on Special Assignment Assistant- Art (EC-12th)
Universal Academy LTTS Charter School
08.2007 - 09.2023
Standard State of Texas Teacher Certification Art (EC-12), Active
AP Studio Art Certification through College Board, Active
MFA-2004 - Fine Art degree with an emphasis in Studio Art and Painting
New York Academy of Art
BFA-2002 - Fine Art degree with an emphasis in Painting
Cameron University
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