Helen Austin
Belchertown,MA
Summary
Creative Art Educator with expertise in inclusive teaching methodologies, instructional design, and classroom management. Adept at fostering engaging learning environments and inspiring students through effective communication, creativity, and adaptability.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervising Practitioner
West Springfield Middle School
West Springfield, MA
02.2022 - Current
- Provide guidance and support to undergraduate students from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Springfield College, and Westfield State University.
- Mentor student teachers in lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques, providing guidance and feedback to support their professional development.
- Organize observational and co-teaching sessions, helping student teachers refine instructional methods and build confidence in the classroom.
Art Educator
West Springfield Middle School
West Springfield, MA
08.2018 - Current
- Teaches approximately 400 students, grades 6-8 annually.
- Facilitate artistic skill development through comprehensive instruction on various mediums.
- Develop and implement curricula for art classes in accordance with educational standards.
- Monitor and assess student progress, provide constructive feedback, communicate regularly with parents, paraprofessionals, guidance, and adjustment counselors to support student development.
- Develop innovative ways to engage all types of students in the learning process.
- Coordinates after school art club, providing additional opportunities for students to explore their creativity.
Art Studio Assistant
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Amherst, MA
05.2017 - Current
- Facilitate 'Every Day Art Program' for students PreK through adulthood, that encourages making, thinking about, and appreciating art.
- Orient guests to the Art Studio space and materials.
- Collaborate with other professionals in the preparation of materials, research, and evaluation.
Art Educator - STEAM Summer Program
Collaborative for Educational Services
West Springfield, MA
07.2022 - Current
- Facilitate art education for grades 9-12, focusing on individualized guidance and actionable feedback for improvement.
- Create and deliver lesson plans to teach course materials efficiently within established timeframes.
Education
Master of Education - Arts Education
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA12.2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Education (PreK-12), Art History
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA05.2018
Skills
- Time management abilities
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Professionalism
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Adaptability
- Teaching strategies
- Positive student engagement
- Reliability
Accomplishments
Master in the Middle Award - New England League of Middle Schools
March 2023
Honored as an educator who is devoted to young adolescents, committed to best middle practices, and who has taught for four or more years.
Certification
State Teaching License, Visual Arts PreK-8, Visual Arts 5-12
- Massachusetts, 504181
- Valid through 4/30/2028
Publications and Presentations
The Undergraduate Research Conference
- The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 4/27/18
"Helen's Special Sunday: Box Art" – The Eric Carle Museum of Picturebook Art Website
- Published: May 2018
- Designed and led a special Sunday activity for our museum guests, inspired by the theme 'Box Art'
MAEA Conference 2017: Shaping Human Potential
- The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 11/11/17
"Stencil and Paint Experiment Workshop" – The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Website
- Published: September 2016
- A hands-on workshop for children and families, guiding participants through creative stencil and paint techniques to encourage experimentation and artistic expression
"Art Olympics" – The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art website
- Published: August 2016
- A fun, interactive art-making activity designed to inspire teamwork and creativity in children through playful, competition-inspired art challenges
Additional Coursework
American College of Education
- Graduate coursework
- Raise the Bar: Positive Interventions for Students Who Challenge Us, K-8
- 4.0 GPA
The University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Art and Culture in Italy- Graduate Level, Venice, Florence, & Rome, Italy, 7/2017
- Earned six graduate credits for intensive on-site experience
Affiliations
Coach, Girls on the Run
West Springfield, MA
September 2022 – Present
- Mentor young girls in personal development and goal-setting through running and team activities, and focus on building confidence, resilience, and healthy habits in a supportive group environment.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Art Educator - STEAM Summer Program
Collaborative for Educational Services
07.2022 - Current
Supervising Practitioner
West Springfield Middle School
02.2022 - Current
Art Educator
West Springfield Middle School
08.2018 - Current
Art Studio Assistant
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
05.2017 - Current
State Teaching License, Visual Arts PreK-8, Visual Arts 5-12
- Massachusetts, 504181
- Valid through 4/30/2028
Master of Education - Arts Education
Fitchburg State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art Education (PreK-12), Art History
University of Massachusetts
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