Lori Sokolowski
San Diego,CA
Summary
I create learning experiences that empower and transform. Through bold design, inclusive strategies, and fearless creativity, I help learners challenge norms, think critically, and own their growth.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CENTRAL OFFICE RESOURCE TEACHER, Magnifying Media Arts MSAP Grant
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Co-designed and implemented media arts integration strategies for three grant magnet schools: Oak Park Music and Media Arts Elementary, Montgomery STEAM & Media Arts Middle, and Roosevelt International, supporting equitable access to arts education.
- Facilitated professional learning sessions centered on storytelling, narrative ownership, and interdisciplinary media arts practices, using new technology tools and strategies.
- Collaborated with site leaders and educators to co-create culturally responsive curriculum aligned to California Arts Standards and grant goals.
- Designed student-centered learning experiences that promote voice, identity, and creative expression through media arts.
MEDIA ARTS RESOURCE TEACHER, VAPA Central Office
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Established media arts as the fifth arts discipline in the Visual & Performing Arts Department for the San Diego Unified School District.
- Facilitated professional learning opportunities and curriculum development for district film arts and media art teachers, fostering collaboration and community partnerships.
- Collaborated with local media arts organizations and businesses to cultivate partnerships and programming opportunities for district teachers and students.
- Managed procurement and oversight of instructional materials and supplies essential to support district-wide media arts programming.
- Designed and implemented asynchronous courses using adult learning theory within the Canvas Learning Management System as part of a standards-based professional learning initiative.
- Developed a pilot elementary program for Media and Visual Arts with standards-aligned objectives and pilot middle school media arts courses approved by the district Interdivisional Curriculum Committee.
- Collaborated across departments to integrate media arts into interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences.
- Authored standards-aligned lesson plans and curricular resources to support effective teaching and learning in media arts education.
PHOTOGRAPHY TEACHER
Mission Hills High School
San Marcos, CA
08.2015 - 06.2022
- Designed and implemented an innovative curriculum that is aligned with California Career and Technical Education standards in Arts, Media, & Entertainment and the National Core Arts Standards. Developed engaging projects to teach digital photography and AP 2-D Design.
- Increased program enrollment and enhanced industry alignment within the Apple iMac lab and Adobe Creative Cloud accessibility. Increased access to digital cameras and equipment providing students with a hands-on learning experience and relevant skills.
- Applied exemplary instructional practices in the 21st-century classroom, integrating project-based learning, technology, and multimedia resources to engage and inspire the diverse needs of students.
- Served as the site Lead Technology Teacher from 2018 to 2022. Designed and led educational technology training and support for teachers and staff.
- Contributed to the district-wide committee on grading reform and on the Secondary Structures/Model Design Team for 2020/21 reopening plans.
- Volunteered as the department representative for the AVID site team, 2017-2020, and WASC team leader, 2019-2020. Demonstrated leadership and commitment to school efforts.
SCHOOL & TEACHER PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego, CA
07.2009 - 09.2014
- Spearheaded the Museum's annual Youth Exhibition and School & Teacher Programs, overseeing all aspects of program management, including designing all exhibition instructional materials, managing outreach programs, and fostering community engagement with schools and teachers throughout San Diego County.
- Increased student and school submissions to the Youth Exhibition through targeted outreach efforts. Recruited high-profile jury members and facilitated the digitization of the jury selection process.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including the Curatorial, Development, and Marketing departments, to ensure seamless development of exhibition design, interpretative content, fundraising, and marketing materials.
- Organized and taught educator workshops and programs. Led inquiry-based museum education methodologies and gallery education techniques to enhance learning experiences.
- Supervised staff and interns for related programs, providing mentorship, guidance, and support.
DOCENT & YOUTH PROGRAMS COORDINATOR, TOUR & VISITOR SERVICES COORDINATOR
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego, CA
04.2007 - 07.2009
- Managed, taught, and evaluated public education programs. Scheduled and managed calendar for museum tours. Recruited and trained docents, contract educators, staff, and volunteers for related programs.
- Implemented a research-based training program, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), with docents and staff.
- Researched and revised visitor ticketing and branding.
Education
Advanced Certificate - Instructional Design
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA01.2022
M.A.T. - Secondary Education
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA01.2022
B.F.A. - Photography
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Milwaukee, WI01.2003
Skills
- Empathy
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Storytelling
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Strategic thinking
- Attention to detail
- Big picture thinking
- Program management
- Social media management
- Innovative problem solving
- Verbal and presentation skills
- Writing skills
- Photoshop proficiency
- Photography skills
- Graphic design expertise
- Instructional design techniques
- Adobe Creative Suite proficiency
- Video and audio production skills
- Curriculum development strategies
- Project-based learning approaches
- Interdisciplinary collaboration practices
- Culturally responsive teaching methods
Certification
- Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Management Solutions
- CTE Teaching Credential, CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Google Certified Educator
- Adobe Certified Professional, Visual Design using Photoshop
Publications
- Curriculum Writer, San Diego County Office of Education Distance Learning Consortium | Designed high school media arts thematic curriculum units 'What Makes Us Human?' and 'Public Health' | 2021
- Co-Presenter, 'Is This Media Arts?' | Magnet Schools of America Conference | Nashville, TN | 2025
- Co-Presenter, 'Color and Light: Artist and the California Landscape' | Arts Empower Mega Conference | San Diego, CA | 2015
- Co-Presenter, 'The Future of Youth Art Shows in Museums' | National Arts Education Association National Convention | San Diego | 2014
- Author, 'Four Tips From a Teaching Artist to Make You a Better Arts Administrator' | Americans for the Arts, Artsblog | 2014
- Curator, Researcher, and Project Manager, Seeing Beauty, an educational exhibition from the Museum of Photographic Arts' permanent collection | San Diego | 2010-2011
- Curator, Researcher, and Project Manager, Streetwise: Masters of 60s Photography | Created curricula resources, lesson plans, and video biographies on themes from the MOPA exhibition with a focus on photographers Danny Lyon and Garry Winogrand | San Diego | 2011
Awards
- PD Grant, Creative Capacity Fund, 2012
- NextGen Arts Program, NAEA, 2012
Volunteer And Community Engagement
- National Media Arts Education Association, Founding Board Member, Board of Directors, 01/01/24, Present
- Rock n' Roll Camp for Girls San Diego, Board Member, Programming Committee, Instrument Instructor, Band Coach, Tech Coordinator, 06/01/18, Present, Collaborated on instructional goals for 2019 summer camps, including thematic program design., Designed branding for stickers and promotional materials., Volunteered as Instrument Instructor and Band Coach for Girls' Rock Camp and Ladies Rock Camp, specializing in bass guitar and songwriting for children and adult learners.
- Medium Festival of Photography, Festival Coordinator, 01/01/24, 06/30/24
Timeline
CENTRAL OFFICE RESOURCE TEACHER, Magnifying Media Arts MSAP Grant
San Diego Unified School District
07.2024 - Current
MEDIA ARTS RESOURCE TEACHER, VAPA Central Office
San Diego Unified School District
08.2022 - 06.2024
PHOTOGRAPHY TEACHER
Mission Hills High School
08.2015 - 06.2022
SCHOOL & TEACHER PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Museum of Photographic Arts
07.2009 - 09.2014
DOCENT & YOUTH PROGRAMS COORDINATOR, TOUR & VISITOR SERVICES COORDINATOR
Museum of Photographic Arts
04.2007 - 07.2009
Advanced Certificate - Instructional Design
San Diego State University
M.A.T. - Secondary Education
San Diego State University
B.F.A. - Photography
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design