Christopher Sweeney
Vero Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic art educator and contemporary artist with extensive experience across K-12 and community settings, notably at IRCS. Proven track record in fostering student creativity and managing diverse classrooms. Excels in lesson planning, acrylic painting, and art history. Launched innovative art programs, significantly enhancing student engagement and artistic expression.
I love art and education, I want to get children as excited and engaged with the arts as I was as a child.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Art Teacher
Ircs
Vero Beach, US
08.2018 - Current
- Art teacher/ art director at Beachland Elementary school
- Prompted student motivation, participation and listening skills through positive reinforcement and weekly recognition.
- Design engaging lessons to inspire interest in art history and creation.
2nd Grade Classroom Teacher
IRCS
Vero Beach, US
02.2017 - Current
- Teaching, 2nd grade
- Working on math, reading, science, and history all following the current sunshine state standards
- Along with teaching I also work the 21st century art club after school 3 days a week
Contemporary Artist
Artist
Vero Beach, US
01.2015 - Current
- I'm a contemporary artist with work all over the east coast, my work has been in multiple museums, galleries, and showcases
- I've painted murals in Brooklyn, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Vero Beach and Miami
- I've made connections with many artists all over while doing festivals, murals, and events
Youth Guidance Mentor
Vero Beach Youth Guidance Center
Vero Beach, US
05.2014 - 09.2017
- Work three days a week after school
- This is an after school guidance program working with children from age 5 up to 18
- We teach academic games, do art lessons, and teach them social norms
Art Teacher
Samuel S. Gains Academy (K-12)
Fort Pierce, US
10.2014 - 01.2017
- Responsibilities
- Taught art lessons and reading lessons K-5
Middle School - Art Teacher
DCPS: Jean Ribault Middle School
Jacksonville, US
07.2013 - 08.2014
- Responsibilities
- Created Fun new art projects that followed along with the state standards but also were fun and creative for the students
- Was the first art teacher to teach at this school in years
- Taught creativity, art styles, and art history
- Accomplishments
- I was the first art teacher this school had, had in over five years
- Which really gave me the chance to spread my creative wings and start from scratch creating a fun and artistic program for the students, which not only met core and curriculum requirements but also were enjoyable for the students
- Skills Used
- Being that my first year of teaching was in a 'Transition School' I feel I have learned more than most
- Not only improving my lesson plans but helping me learn how to deal with any situation that could be thrown at a teacher
- I have had to develop organizational skills to keep track of the different class sections with a regularly changing student population
- Large class sizes have given me the need to develop good classroom management skills
Childcare Associate/Teacher
Kidspark
Jacksonville, US
01.2011 - 08.2013
- Responsibilities
- Help with homework and teach basic early learning lessons
- Create and make crafts with the children
- Create and teach the children physical activities and games
- Accomplishments
- Created and taught children, helped make the location a safe fun and enjoyable place for children
- Skills Used
- Creative, Out going, Fun, Management, artistic, CPR/FA
Substitute Teacher (K-12)
LTSD (Lacey Twn. NJ)
Lanoka Harbor, US
- Responsibilities
- Worked and taught lessons with grades K-12
- Classroom management
Education
BS - Sociology & Minor in Fine Arts
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL01.2013
Skills
- Creativity
- Artistic
- Acrylic painting
- Lesson planning
- Artistic techniques
- Art history
- Classroom management
- Course development
- Project-based learning
- Art technique
- Painting techniques
- Arts integration
- Color theory
Certification
- FTCE K-8 Art Teaching, Present
- Florida Teaching Cert: K-12 Art and 6-12 Social Science, Present
Hobbies and Interests
- Love art
- Work in galleries throughout Florida
- Large murals all over the east coast
- writing and illustration of stories
Awards
- Teacher of the year nomination 2024
- teacher of the year nomination 2021
- Artwork hanging in a gallery in North Miami
- Solo Show with Vero Beach Gallery14, 10/01/23
- Solo Show with Jacksonville Gallery, 10/01/24
- Gallery14 Joint Artists Show, 10/01/24
- VBMA Museum Show, 05/01/23, Painted mini murals for the banners of the Vero Museum and had a painting on display
- published children's stories
Personal Information
- Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
- Authorized To Work: US for any employer
Timeline
Art Teacher
Ircs
08.2018 - Current
2nd Grade Classroom Teacher
IRCS
02.2017 - Current
Contemporary Artist
Artist
01.2015 - Current
Art Teacher
Samuel S. Gains Academy (K-12)
10.2014 - 01.2017
Youth Guidance Mentor
Vero Beach Youth Guidance Center
05.2014 - 09.2017
Middle School - Art Teacher
DCPS: Jean Ribault Middle School
07.2013 - 08.2014
Childcare Associate/Teacher
Kidspark
01.2011 - 08.2013
Substitute Teacher (K-12)
LTSD (Lacey Twn. NJ)
BS - Sociology & Minor in Fine Arts
Jacksonville University
Similar Profiles
Alexis CarrAlexis Carr
Loan Closer at IFGLoan Closer at IFG
EMMA H. PUTTICKEMMA H. PUTTICK
First Grade Teacher at Saint Edward's SchoolFirst Grade Teacher at Saint Edward's School
Mary AcevedoMary Acevedo
Assistant Director at Little Rising Stars, Inc.Assistant Director at Little Rising Stars, Inc.
Will McKenzieWill McKenzie
Electronics Technician at Communications internationalElectronics Technician at Communications international
Kristin EliseKristin Elise
Art Teacher at Our Lady of MercyArt Teacher at Our Lady of Mercy