Catherine Taffy Watts
Summary
Outgoing professional engages with students to promote love of learning. Fosters creative environment, designing lesson plans and assessing student progress. Valuable educator passionate about art and art history.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
6-12 Art Teacher
Bangs ISD
2023.08 - 2024.06
- Assisted students in developing unique artistic skills and techniques.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formal evaluations, informal observations, and one-on-one conferences, ensuring each learner''s growth was accurately documented.
- Provided support for struggling students through targeted interventions, leading to noticeable improvements in their artistic abilities over time.
- Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
- Incorporated student interests and experiences to make learning relevant and meaningful.
3-6 Music Teacher
Brownwood ISD
2019.08 - 2023.06
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians, promoting open communication and collaboration for student success.
- Incorporated creative activities into lessons to engage students and spark interest in music.
- Mentored students in various ensembles, boosting their confidence and performance skills.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in music education, enriching both teaching skills and curriculum offerings.
- Assessed student learning to evaluate student learning and progress through tests, performances and portfolios.
PK - 12 Art Teacher
Mullin ISD
2016.08 - 2021.06
- Participated in committees dedicated to enhancing school culture and developing innovative curriculum initiatives within the visual arts department.
- Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
- One-Act Play Director
- Elementary - High School UIL Coordinator
- Assisted students in developing unique artistic skills and techniques.
- Organized school-wide art exhibits showcasing student talent and promoting the importance of visual arts in education.
- Taught classes on painting, collage, and color theory.
- Supervised students during rehearsals to provide direction to students during practice sessions.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, maintaining discipline while fostering creativity and individuality in student work.
K-5 Art Teacher
Bangs ISD
2012.08 - 2015.06
- Enhanced classroom instruction with multimedia presentations.
- Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Assisted students in developing unique artistic skills and techniques.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Directed 5 Musicals per year for each grade level
4th Grade Math Teacher
Elgin ISD
2009.08 - 2012.06
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, promoting greater student engagement and retention of material.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
3rd Grade ELAR Teacher
Dayton ISD
2004.08 - 2007.06
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Collaborated with colleagues for interdisciplinary lessons, promoting cross-curricular connections to enhance overall student understanding.
- Continually updated knowledge of state education standards, adapting curriculum accordingly to ensure alignment with current requirements while maximizing student achievement potential.
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
- UIL Poetry Coach
Education
Certification - Education
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX06.2005
Bachelor of Science - Marketing And Advertising
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX06.2002
Skills
- Subject Research
- Lesson Planning
- Course Development
- Individualized Instruction
- Artistic Technique Demonstration
- Color theory
- School assembly preparations
- Art history knowledge
- Curricula Planning
- Acrylic painting
- Sculpture Techniques
- Project-based learning
Accomplishments
- Art Smart 2023 Middle School - 1-4 places, full sweep 3 grade levels (Bangs Middle School, TX)
- 1-4 places, full sweep 3 grade levels Elementary (Bangs Elementary)
- High School UIL Coordinator (Mullin, TX)
- Track Coach (Elgin, TX)
- Directed over 30 Musicals (PK-6th Grade)
Certification
Reading Academy Training
ESL Certified
EC-12 Art
EC-6
Writing, Singing, Acting, Painting
I am active in the theatre world. I perform 1 to 2 shows per year with our local community theatre called The Lyric. I have been writing since childhood. I have published poetry in 3 books. I also have written songs since childhood and am currently on iTunes. My love of art has stemmed from childhood, in my spare time I research art styles and practice techniques.
Timeline
6-12 Art Teacher
Bangs ISD
2023.08 - 2024.06
3-6 Music Teacher
Brownwood ISD
2019.08 - 2023.06
PK - 12 Art Teacher
Mullin ISD
2016.08 - 2021.06
K-5 Art Teacher
Bangs ISD
2012.08 - 2015.06
4th Grade Math Teacher
Elgin ISD
2009.08 - 2012.06
3rd Grade ELAR Teacher
Dayton ISD
2004.08 - 2007.06
Certification - Education
LeTourneau University
Bachelor of Science - Marketing And Advertising
University of Texas At Austin
Reading Academy Training
ESL Certified
EC-12 Art
EC-6
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