Hi, I’m
Melinda McVay
Dallas,TX
Summary
Committed and engaging Art Teacher bringing exceptional teaching skills and expertise in studio arts and art history. Gifted in engagement and guidance of students with 15 years in postsecondary education.
Overview
1
Language
1
Certification
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Joyce Giddens-Steadham Elementary, Garland ISD
Art Teacher, K-12 Public School
08.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Developed engaging PreK-12 visual arts lessons aligned with TEKS and campus instructional goals.
- Managed classroom routines that supported safe, organized, and productive studio learning.
- Developed and implemented engaging art lessons for PreK-5th grade students, fostering creativity and artistic expression.
- Invited to develop the district curriculum for Film studies to guide art teachers on teaching filmmaking to elementary children.
- Achieved mental health certification for professional development.
B.S. Hudson Middle School, Garland ISD
Art Teacher 7th-8th
01.2023 - 05.2025
Job overview
- Developed and implemented art curriculum that included cooperative learning and project-based assignments for middle school students, fostering creative thinking and artistic skills.
- Guided art students to win both the Judges’ Choice and the Audience Choice for Best Film at the Bankhead Film Festival in Garland, Texas, as well as students’ First Place for the Black History Month Art Competition, showcasing their talent and cultural awareness.
- Recognized students for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mentions at District Art Competitions; mentored students to gold medals at Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) and led school’s class to victory in all three “Door Decorating” competitions.
- Coordinated school yearbook, guiding students in design, layout, content creation, and managing sales, marketing, and distribution efforts.
- Secured over $3,600 in grants for art supplies, enhancing classroom resources.
- Earned Region 10 Gifted and Talented Certification.
- Managed classroom routines, behavior expectations, and safe use of art materials.
University of Texas at Arlington
Art History Adjunct Professor
08.2018 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Facilitated learning activities and support to achieve course objectives and enhance educational environment at college and community.
- Enhanced communication between UTA and external institutions, including Refugee Services of Texas and Teatro Dallas, for collaborative events.
- Collaborated with faculty and students to organize the Women’s Student Symposium in Art History, focusing on diverse perspectives and discussions.
- Assisted in Co-Sponsoring the Opal Lee event to celebrate significant contributions to civil rights and community empowerment.
- Raised funds and donations for committee events.
- Co-led DEI Summer Book Club for faculty and students.
Daffron Elementary, Plano ISD
Art Teacher
08.2022 - 12.2022
Job overview
- Designed art lessons for emotional expression and healing, especially for children who have experienced trauma. Students created puppets to help them express their feelings and experiences while learning about 3-D construction, sewing, and the elements of art and principles of design.
- Created an inclusive class environment that valued and celebrated the backgrounds of all students. This included incorporating elements of Venezuelan culture and art into the curriculum to make refugee students feel secure and at home.
- Promoted bilingual classroom to address language barriers by speaking Spanish and using visual aids, gestures, and simple language, ensuring all students understood and participated.
- Implemented project-based art initiatives that fostered collaboration among students. that created a sense of community and belonging among students. Collaborative projects can help build relationships and encourage teamwork.
- Recognized a student who won the District MLK Art Competition for all Plano ISD students in 3rd-5th grade.
- Delivered engaging art instruction aligned with elementary curriculum and student learning objectives.
University of Texas at Dallas
Art History Professor
08.2019 - 12.2019
Job overview
- Delivered Art Appreciation survey course to over 100 non-art majors, fostering engagement and understanding of art concepts.
- Supervised teaching assistants in classroom activities.
- Maintained comprehensive student records while conducting lectures and facilitating group activities to promote collaborative learning.
- Developed syllabi, lectures, and assessments supporting student engagement and academic rigor.
Private Art Collector
Private Researcher/Registrar
05.2016 - 08.2018
Job overview
- Delivered research collection and registrar services utilizing Collector Systems, focusing on finances, provenance, history, archives, marketing, and public relations to enhance collection management.
- Created, oversaw, and maintained both digital and paper collection histories: legal forms; files (acquisition, accession, and provenance); loan agreements, conservation, condition, publication records; organized and implemented inventory projects; coordinated computer database.
- Input and updated collection data into Collector Systems database; disseminated information to others involved; maintained archives; managed photographic services; researched the history, authenticity, and provenance of objects in the collections; conducted outreach to museums with similar collections and interests.
University of Texas at DallasRichardson, Texas
Research Assistant-EODIAH
09.2014 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Collaborated with international, national, and local scholars, curators, and conservators to enhance interdisciplinary research efforts.
- Researched and engaged with a community of scholars to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Delivered presentations at EODIAH events to communicate research findings and promote dialogue within the academic community.
- Presented oral presentations at EODIAH events.
- Collected and organized research data from academic and digital sources for analysis.
Nasher Sculpture Center
Evelyn Kelly Lambert Museum Intern
01.2015 - 04.2015
Job overview
- Researched and published documentation of Evelyn Kelly Lambert's life and art collection for museum archives and Nasher Magazine, enhancing public knowledge of her contributions.
- Created public relations materials to promote Evelyn Lambert Internship at Nasher Sculpture Center, increasing awareness and interest in the program.
- Supported curator in exhibition planning at the Nasher Sculpture Center., researched Northern Italian artist, Giuseppe Penone for the Nasher’s exhibition.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Guggenheim Intern
09.2014 - 12.2014
Job overview
- Managed museum operations during opening hours, including gallery preparation, visitor engagement, ticket and catalogue sales, museum closing, and support in administrative tasks and exhibition installation.
- Received the 'Ask Me about Art' recognition, which enabled me to give museum tours to special groups; conducted museum talks, tours, and collaborated in all departments.
- Conducted primary research in Italy at the PGC to document the history of the Guggenheim and Raymond Nasher for historical and public relations initiatives.
Dallas County Community College
Humanities, Art Appreciation, and Writing Instruct
01.2008 - 05.2014
Job overview
- Taught Art History, Connoisseurship, Design, Writing, and Humanities to college sophomores and freshmen and maintained accurate records.
- Facilitated effective communication between districts, organizations, businesses, community groups, faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds, enhancing collaboration.
- Facilitated connections between students and local community resources to support their educational needs.
- Redesigned and implemented hybrid course, leading to recognition for student success and presented findings at Conference for Students’ Success.
- Connected students with community resources.
Contemporary Art Museum
Museum Lecturer
07.2025 - 2025
Job overview
- Conducted research presentation for the International Art History Committee. on Levitation and Design for the International Art History Committee in Lyon, France.
Portland Art Museum
Museum Lecturer
08.2017
Job overview
- Presented research on 'John Yeon and the Museum,' highlighting Yeon's innovative interpretation of Asian architectural settings for museum displays, enhancing understanding of cultural influences in exhibition design.
- Explained contemporary artworks, themes, and artist intent for diverse visitor groups.
- Adapted presentations for schools, adults, and special-interest audiences.
Children's Montessori House and School
Assistant Guide and Art Teacher
08.2007 - 07.2008
Job overview
- Supported lead guide in maintaining prepared Montessori classroom environment and child-centered routines.
- Supervised children during activities, transitions, and outdoor play to reinforce safe behavior.
- Assisted with Montessori materials, lesson setup, and cleanup to keep learning spaces organized.
- Guided children through daily self-care tasks, encouraging independence and confidence.
Education
Texas Region 10Richardson, TX
Teaching PreK-12 , Expires 12/31/2031 from Art
05-2026
University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX
PhD, MA from Humanities Aesthetic Studies
05-2017
University Overview
- EODIAH Fellowship, Travel Grants
- Dissertation: The Cultural Politics of Display—Architects and Museums: John Yeon, A. James Speyer, and Lina Bo Bardi
University of Texas DallasRichardson, TX
Master of Arts from Humanities Aesthetic Studies
01-2007
University of DallasIrving, TX
BA from Sculpture
05-2003
University Overview
Board of Trustees Scholarship, Eternal Cities Funding
Skills
- Visual arts instruction
- Lesson planning
- Student engagement
- Classroom management
- Art program development
- Student showcases
- Grant writing
- Research methods
- Research and analysis
- art history
Accomplishments
2026 Exhibition Matters, "The Illusion of Levitation in Museum Display," Bloomsbury
2023 Perspective: A Global Survey of Space Design in Art History, “A. James Speyer and International Style at the Art Institute of Chicago,” Vernon Press
2015 “The Life and Legacy of Evelyn Kelly Lambert,” The Nasher Magazine, (June 2015)
Certification
- Earned Mental Health Certification.
- Earned Region 10 Gifted and Talented Certification.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Art Teacher, K-12 Public School
Joyce Giddens-Steadham Elementary, Garland ISD
08.2025 - Current
Museum Lecturer
Contemporary Art Museum
07.2025 - 2025
Art Teacher 7th-8th
B.S. Hudson Middle School, Garland ISD
01.2023 - 05.2025
Art Teacher
Daffron Elementary, Plano ISD
08.2022 - 12.2022
Art History Professor
University of Texas at Dallas
08.2019 - 12.2019
Art History Adjunct Professor
University of Texas at Arlington
08.2018 - 05.2024
Museum Lecturer
Portland Art Museum
08.2017
Private Researcher/Registrar
Private Art Collector
05.2016 - 08.2018
Evelyn Kelly Lambert Museum Intern
Nasher Sculpture Center
01.2015 - 04.2015
Research Assistant-EODIAH
University of Texas at Dallas
09.2014 - 01.2017
Guggenheim Intern
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
09.2014 - 12.2014
Humanities, Art Appreciation, and Writing Instruct
Dallas County Community College
01.2008 - 05.2014
Assistant Guide and Art Teacher
Children's Montessori House and School
08.2007 - 07.2008
University of Dallas
BA from Sculpture
Texas Region 10
Teaching PreK-12 , Expires 12/31/2031 from Art
University of Texas at Dallas
PhD, MA from Humanities Aesthetic Studies
University of Texas Dallas
Master of Arts from Humanities Aesthetic Studies
interests
Skilled in Project-Based Learning, Cooperative Learning, Studio Arts, Publications, Writing, Editing, and Public Speaking. Accomplished in curriculum development, primary research, capacity building, fundraising, and charitable work. Expert in Design, the Arts, and Art History. Published, peer reviewed author and public speaker. Experienced fundraiser who loves to garden, read, make art, travel and visit museums.