Christy Ortiz
Summary
Visionary museum and educational leader with 20+ years of experience spanning museum education, higher education, K–12 learning, curriculum and instructional design, teacher preparation, public programming, and interdisciplinary academic collaboration. Proven expertise in designing innovative object-based and experiential learning opportunities that connect museum collections with university teaching, research, student engagement, and community partnerships.
Experienced in leading educational initiatives across museums, universities, and schools with a strong commitment to accessibility, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Skilled in academic partnership development, curriculum-based teaching, docent and educator engagement, program evaluation, public speaking, faculty collaboration, and creative educational strategy. Recognized for developing learner-centered educational experiences that bridge the visual arts with interdisciplinary inquiry.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Photography/Digital Media Teacher
Cypress Lakes High School
Cypress, TX
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented curriculum-focused visual arts instruction to enhance critical thinking and creativity.
- Developed student-centered learning experiences that integrated visual culture and storytelling.
- Supported diverse learners through inclusive instructional practices and collaborative engagement.
Founder & Art Teacher K-5
Van Meteren Junior School of Art
Cypress, TX
01.2019 - Current
- Founded and developed a learner-centered arts education program focused on creative exploration, visual literacy, and experiential learning.
- Design curriculum and educational programming supporting artistic development and interdisciplinary thinking for elementary-aged learners.
- Build relationships with families and community members to foster arts engagement and educational participation.
Manager of Education
Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Houston, TX
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Led development and coordination of K-12 educational programming, enhancing engagement for students, educators, and public audiences.
- Designed engaging learning experiences and educational content, translating art, history, and cultural concepts into accessible learning opportunities for diverse audiences.
- Collaborated across departments and stakeholders to align educational initiatives with institutional goals.
- Developed presentations, educational guides, and workshop materials, creating instructional content that effectively communicated key concepts to various audiences.
- Supported creative community engagement initiatives through visual communication and interdisciplinary educational programming.
Adjunct Professor, Art Department
Lone Star College
Cypress, TX
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Facilitated interdisciplinary learning experiences that enhanced visual literacy, creativity, interpretation, and communication skills.
- Fostered learner engagement through collaborative, discussion-based, and project-centered instruction that promoted critical thinking.
- Developed course materials and syllabi for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated engaging classroom discussions to enhance student learning experiences.
- Evaluated student performance through assignments, exams, and feedback sessions.
Adjunct Professor, Department of Curriculum & Instruction
University of Houston
Houston, TX
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Guided pre-service and graduate educators in instructional design and curriculum implementation, enhancing their educational communication skills.
- Developed learning experiences based on adult learning theory and inquiry-based instruction, fostering reflective practice among participants.
- Designed engaging coursework and instructional materials tailored for diverse learners, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
- Taught undergraduate and graduate courses in curriculum design, classroom management, instructional practice, and professional learning.
Professor, Professional Education Department
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Designed and taught graduate courses in curriculum and instructional design, teaching and learning assessment, multicultural learning environments, and action research.
- Developed online graduate courses enhancing accessibility and engagement for SCAD eLearning initiatives.
- Facilitated adult learning experiences that fostered creativity, inquiry, and reflective practice in education.
- Supervised teacher candidates and supported educator development through mentoring and coaching.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary faculty teams to drive program development and innovative learning strategies.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Houston
Houston, TXMaster of Arts (M.A.) - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Houston
Houston, TXBachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Art
St. Edward's University
Austin, TXSkills
- Museum Education Leadership
- Academic Affairs & University Partnerships
- Object-Based & Experiential Learning
- Curriculum Development & Instructional Design
- K–12 & Higher Education Programming
- Faculty Collaboration & Academic Engagement
- Public Programming & Community Engagement
- Educational Strategy & Program Innovation
- Staff Leadership, Mentorship & Team Development
- Docent & Volunteer Program Support
- Research, Scholarship & Interdisciplinary Inquiry
- Interpretive Strategy & Educational Writing
- Program Assessment & Evaluation
- Grant Writing & Fundraising Collaboration
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Public Speaking & Professional Learning
Presentations And Professional Learning
- Presented nationally and internationally on object-based learning, arts education, narrative inquiry, teacher development, active learning, and interdisciplinary educational practice.
- Designed and facilitated workshops and educational programs for educators, university students, and professional audiences.
- Invited speaker at universities, conferences, and educational organizations.
Timeline
Photography/Digital Media Teacher
Cypress Lakes High School
01.2024 - Current
Manager of Education
Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
01.2022 - 01.2024
Founder & Art Teacher K-5
Van Meteren Junior School of Art
01.2019 - Current
Adjunct Professor, Art Department
Lone Star College
01.2019 - 01.2022
Adjunct Professor, Department of Curriculum & Instruction
University of Houston
01.2017 - 01.2022
Professor, Professional Education Department
Savannah College of Art and Design
01.2008 - 01.2013
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Houston
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Houston
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Art
St. Edward's University