Cristel Collins
Little Mountain,SC
Summary
National Board Certified visual arts educator and department chair with 25+ years of experience teaching in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), magnet, and international school settings. Experienced in Art 1, Photography, Three-dimensional Design, Ceramics, Sculpture, and advanced studio coursework with a demonstrated commitment to academic rigor, interdisciplinary learning, and student engagement. Proven leadership in curriculum development, mentoring, assessment, and program growth in high-performing secondary schools.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Visual Arts Teacher & Department Chair
Spring Hill High School, Career Pathways Magnet High School
Chapin, South Carolina
01.2013 - Current
- Teach Art 1, Three-Dimensional Design I & II, Digital Photography I, and AP 3D Design for grades 9–12
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Integrated technology tools to enhance art education and improve student engagement.
- Organized student exhibitions showcasing artistic achievements, fostering community involvement.
- Lead visual arts instruction within a high-performing magnet school environment emphasizing academic rigor and interdisciplinary learning
- Support curriculum planning, collaboration, and department leadership as Visual Arts Department Chair
- Mentor colleagues and participate in PLC and data team collaboration to strengthen instructional outcomes
- Foster student creativity, critical thinking, and portfolio development through advanced studio coursework
Visual Arts Teacher (Itinerant)
Oak Pointe Elementary, Ballentine Elementary, Dutch Fork Elementary, & Nursery Road Elementary
South Carolina
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Taught K–5 visual arts instruction across multiple elementary schools, designing engaging and developmentally appropriate art experiences
- Fostered a collaborative classroom environment promoting teamwork and respect for diverse perspectives.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in art education.
- Collaborated with colleagues to expand cross-curricular connections, enriching students'' overall educational experience.
IB Visual Arts Teacher
Clyde Erwin Elementary Magnet School of International Studies & Cultural Arts
Jacksonville, North Carolina
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Delivered visual arts instruction within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework
- Integrated inquiry-based learning and global perspectives into arts instruction
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans integrating cultural arts and international studies into curriculum.
IB Visual Arts Teacher
Franconian International School
Erlangen, Germany
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Taught visual arts across elementary and middle grades within an international school setting using International Baccalaureate frameworks
- Led collaborative arts initiatives, including an internationally themed student mural project
- Contributed to arts instruction within a multicultural, globally focused learning environment
- Collaborated with colleagues to create stimulating art curriculums.
Visual Arts Teacher
Dutch Fork High School
Irmo, South Carolina
01.1998 - 01.2008
- Taught Design Foundations, Three-Dimensional Design I–III, Photography II, and AP Art at the high school level
- Developed advanced studio learning experiences emphasizing portfolio development, artistic problem solving, and technical skill growth
- Collaborated with sculptor Bob Doster and students to design and create a permanent sculpture installed at the school
- Served as coaching teacher for University of South Carolina interns and Fine Arts technology representative
- Developed and implemented diverse visual arts curriculum enhancing student creativity and engagement.
Education
Master of Arts - Art Education
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina05-1996
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Education
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina05-1994
Certification
- National Board Certification — Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood - 2003, renewals in 2013, 2022
- Advanced Placement (AP) Certification — Art - 2003
- South Carolina K–12 Teaching Certificate — Art - 1994
- North Carolina K–12 Teaching Certificate — Art - 2011
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Level I Certification — Primary Years Programme (PYP) - 2012
Timeline
Visual Arts Teacher & Department Chair
Spring Hill High School, Career Pathways Magnet High School
01.2013 - Current
Visual Arts Teacher (Itinerant)
Oak Pointe Elementary, Ballentine Elementary, Dutch Fork Elementary, & Nursery Road Elementary
01.2012 - 01.2013
IB Visual Arts Teacher
Clyde Erwin Elementary Magnet School of International Studies & Cultural Arts
01.2011 - 01.2012
IB Visual Arts Teacher
Franconian International School
01.2008 - 01.2011
Visual Arts Teacher
Dutch Fork High School
01.1998 - 01.2008
Master of Arts - Art Education
University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Education
University of South Carolina
LEADERSHIP, CURRICULUM & PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- Department Chair, Visual Arts — Spring Hill High School - 2024-present
- Assessor, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - 2023-2025
- Professional Learning Community (PLC) and Data Team Member — Spring Hill High School - 2018-present
- Mentor Teacher and Mentor Training Participant with CERRA— Spring Hill High School / South Carolina Department of Education - 2016
- Participant in Google Apps for PK-12 Educators class through School District 5 of Lexington/Richland Counties - 2016
- Coaching Teacher for University of South Carolina teacher interns - 2007-2008
- Curriculum Writer — South Carolina Department of Education, High School Ceramics Curriculum Guide - 2007
- AP and IB professional development participant and instructional training attendee - 2007
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- More than 25 years of visual arts teaching experience across secondary, elementary, magnet, AP, IB, and international settings
- Served in leadership roles
- Extensive teaching experience in photography, sculpture, ceramics, three-dimensional design, and advanced studio coursework
- Experience designing advanced lessons and curriculum
- Led and designed collaborative projects for students (murals and permanent outdoor sculptures)
- International teaching experience in Germany
- Chaperoned student educational travel experiences in Europe
HONORS & AWARDS
National Board Certified Teacher, University Scholars Award — University of South Carolina, Liquitex Excellence in Art Award — University of South Carolina, Dean’s List & President’s List — University of South Carolina