Judi Snyder
Freeport,IL
Summary
Experienced middle and high school art educator with strengths in curriculum design, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and classroom management. Creates inclusive, engaging studio experiences that support student growth and strong creative outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Teacher Middle School 5-6
Carl Sandburg M.S., Freeport School District
Freeport, Illinois
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Planned art lessons aligned with Freeport School District curriculum standards
- Managed classroom routines and student behavior to create a productive studio environment
- Fostered culture of respect, creativity, and collaboration among students to inspire artistic expression
- Collaborated with faculty on interdisciplinary school art projects
- Supervised after-school art club meetings to enhance student engagement in art-related activities and competitions
- Displayed student artwork throughout Carl Sandburg M.S. hallways
- Organized storage areas and controlled use of materials, equipment and tools to prevent loss or waste.
- Attended professional development workshops related to Art education best practices.
Adjunct Professor
Highland Community College
Freeport, Illinois
09.2011 - 05.2015
- Developed syllabi, lesson plans, and assignments for community college classes.
- Presented courses to undergraduate students and created lesson plans, tests and assignments to ascertain how well students retained class material.
- Delivered course lectures using modern technology to enhance student comprehension.
- Evaluated student work using rubrics, exams, and classroom discussions.
- Advised students during office hours on coursework and academic progress.
- Communicated expectations through learning management system and course announcements.
- Developed and adjusted course syllabus according to curriculum and university guidelines.
- Integrated technology into the classroom environment to enhance instruction and facilitate communication with students.
- Created online resources for use by both faculty and students to supplement traditional face-to-face instruction.
- Mentored students in the development of their research skills and critical thinking abilities.
- Taught Highland Community College courses aligned with department curriculum and outcomes.
School Improvement Specialist
Regional Office of Education 05
Stockton, Illinois
10.2010 - 10.2011
- Analyzed achievement data to identify school performance needs.
- Coordinated district support services with regional office education staff to align resources with school improvement goals.
- Developed professional learning sessions for principals and teacher teams to enhance instructional practices and student outcomes.
- Monitored school improvement goals and updated action plans.
- Advised administrators on state standards and accountability requirements.
- Provided technical assistance to schools within the district, ensuring effective implementation of educational reforms and improving overall school performance.
- Conducted data analysis to identify areas of need within the school district.
- Guided regional schools through improvement planning and compliance reviews.
- Developed surveys designed to measure stakeholder satisfaction levels regarding ongoing initiatives.
- Researched new technologies and programs that could be used as part of a comprehensive school improvement strategy.
- Scheduled regular meetings with school personnel to discuss instructional delivery with principals, teachers, counselors, and other personnel involved in the delivery of instruction.
- Organized workshops designed to help educators understand best practices for improving student performance.
- Attended conferences and seminars related to current trends in education reform.
Art Teacher 9-12
Roosevelt Alternative H.S., RPS 205
Rockford, Illinois
08.2005 - 06.2010
- Designed art lessons for alternative high school students in RPS 205 classrooms.
- Adapted instruction for diverse learners and individualized education plans.
- Conducted one-on-one tutorials to support struggling students in developing artistic skills.
- Encouraged students to think critically about artwork and discuss its meaning or purpose.
- Displayed student artwork at school events and community exhibitions to promote student achievement and foster community engagement.
- Evaluated and selected student work for local, state, and national art competitions.
- Integrated technology into the classroom environment for instructional purposes.
- Utilized technology and multimedia tools to enhance teaching and engage students.
- Managed studio supplies and equipment to ensure organized and safe learning environment.
Principal Intern
Freeport Senior High
Freeport, Illinois
05.2008 - 08.2008
- Developed strategies to improve student performance on standardized tests.
- Analyzed data from various assessments to identify areas of strength or weakness among students.
- Assisted in developing and implementing school improvement plans.
- Collaborated with guidance counselors in providing academic assistance to struggling students.
- Conducted observations of teachers and provided feedback.
- Met regularly with individual departments within the school district to assess instructional needs.
- Researched new methods of instruction that can be used by teachers in their classrooms.
- Coordinated student and staff communications for daily school needs.
- Attended weekly meetings with the principal and other administrators to discuss school policies and procedures.
- Maintained records and organized confidential student files.
- Supported principal office operations at Freeport Senior High.
- Assisted with attendance, scheduling, and office documentation.
- Prepared materials for meetings, conferences, and school events.
- Analyzed key performance indicators to identify effective strategies.
Art Teacher 6-8
Brown Middle School, Davidson County Schools
Lexington, North Carolina
08.2001 - 12.2002
- Taught visual arts lessons aligned with Davidson County Schools curriculum standards.
- Adapted instruction for diverse learners in middle school classrooms.
- Assessed student work using clear art rubrics and feedback.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Presented and designed exciting lessons to actively engage learners.
- Managed student behavior in classroom with appropriate behavior strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student grades and attendance.
Art Teacher 3-8
Rockford Science & Tech Academy 205
Rockford, Illinois
08.1999 - 06.2001
- Coordinated with other teachers to integrate art into cross-curricular projects, enriching students' educational experience.
- Led hands-on projects in painting, sculpture, and digital art, enhancing students' creative skills.
- Organized annual student art exhibitions, showcasing the talents and progress of students.
- Fostered a culture of respect, creativity, and collaboration among students.
- Maintained up to date knowledge of art education standards and new teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated and selected student work for local, state, and national art competitions.
- Implemented safety protocols for the use of art materials and equipment.
- Managed supply inventory and budget for art materials, ensuring resources were available for all projects.
Youth Program Director
State of Illinois JTPA
Freeport, IL
06.1999 - 08.1999
- Directed youth workforce programs following Illinois JTPA guidelines and local service plans.
- Coordinated intake, eligibility review, and participant enrollment for youth services.
- Developed youth activities supporting training, education, and job readiness goals.
- Assessed the needs of each participant individually and developed individual plans accordingly.
- Monitored participant attendance, progress notes, and service referrals.
- Prepared reports for Illinois JTPA compliance and program tracking.
- Organized, scheduled, and facilitated recreational events, field trips, and workshops.
- Provided guidance to staff on best practices for working with at-risk youth.
- Collaborated with staff to address service challenges on resolution of complex service issues.
- Managed budgets for multiple grants used to fund programming initiatives.
- Analyzed data from surveys distributed among participants regarding satisfaction levels.
Art Teacher 8-12
Aquin Catholic Senior High School
Freeport, IL
08.1998 - 05.1999
- Demonstrated techniques in sketching, painting, ceramics, and design fundamentals
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to teach art concepts such as perspective, color theory, drawing, painting and sculpting.
- Evaluated student artwork and provided clear feedback on creative progress
- Adapted lesson plans for individual learning needs and classroom participation
- Organized and coordinated hands-on artistic activities to encourage active participation, involvement and team work.
- Provided individual instruction and feedback on student's work.
- Assisted with organizing school art displays and exhibitions to enhance campus visual appeal.
- Planned special events such as art shows to showcase student work.
- Collaborated with parents to support students' artistic interests and academic progress.
- Maintained respectful classroom environment consistent with Aquin Catholic values
- Managed classroom materials, supplies, and art room organization at senior high school
Art Teacher Intern 9-12
Mahomet-Seymour High School
Mahomet, Illinois
01.1998 - 06.1998
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to teach art concepts such as perspective, color theory, drawing, painting and sculpting.
- Prepared art lessons aligned with high school curriculum and classroom expectations.
- Guided Mahomet-Seymour High School students in mastering drawing, painting, and design fundamentals, fostering creativity and skill development.
- Demonstrated studio techniques, material use, and safe classroom procedures.
- Evaluated student artwork, providing constructive written and verbal feedback to enhance artistic growth.
- Streamlined organization of art supplies, tools, and classroom materials to ensure efficient daily instruction.
- Facilitated positive classroom behavior by implementing clear expectations and guidelines. and supported respectful, creative learning environment.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
DePaul University
Chicago, IL05-2008
Master of Arts - BFA Art Education
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05-1998
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Digital art tools
- Assessment rubrics
- Art instruction
- Differentiated instruction
- Student assessment
- Project-based learning
- Arts integration
Certification
- IL K-12 ART Teaching Certification 1589781
- IL K-12 General Administrative Certificate 2409307
- NC State Board of Education Teaching ART License K-12 Prof II
- Cognitive Art Therapy Neuro Art Therapy: Del Giacco, PPLC, NY
Accomplishments
- Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society
- Golden Key International Honor Society
- Who's Who Among American Teachers Award
- Golden Apple Creative Grant Recipient
Affiliations
- Girl Scouts Volunteer Leadership 5 years
- 4-H Visual Arts Leadership & Judge 30+ years
- Women in Leadership Bible Teacher
Timeline
Art Teacher Middle School 5-6
Carl Sandburg M.S., Freeport School District
08.2023 - 06.2025
Adjunct Professor
Highland Community College
09.2011 - 05.2015
School Improvement Specialist
Regional Office of Education 05
10.2010 - 10.2011
Principal Intern
Freeport Senior High
05.2008 - 08.2008
Art Teacher 9-12
Roosevelt Alternative H.S., RPS 205
08.2005 - 06.2010
Art Teacher 6-8
Brown Middle School, Davidson County Schools
08.2001 - 12.2002
Art Teacher 3-8
Rockford Science & Tech Academy 205
08.1999 - 06.2001
Youth Program Director
State of Illinois JTPA
06.1999 - 08.1999
Art Teacher 8-12
Aquin Catholic Senior High School
08.1998 - 05.1999
Art Teacher Intern 9-12
Mahomet-Seymour High School
01.1998 - 06.1998
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
DePaul University
Master of Arts - BFA Art Education
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign