Melissa L. Wojcik
Visual Arts Educator
Oak Forest,Illinois
Summary
Creative Art Teacher possessing in-depth knowledge of various art theories and principles. Engaging and energetic professional certified in Elementary K-8 and licensed in Illinois. Polished in integrating art history, art appreciation and art criticism into all lesson plans and collaborating with classroom teachers to incorporate learning through art. I am committed to designing lessons to accommodate a broad range of learning styles and encouraging students to reach their fullest potential.
Collaborative Visual Art Teacher with proven skills in teaching others to develop artistic talents. Natural mentor and motivator bringing patience and knowledge useful to a diverse group of students. Dedicated to continuous professional development and comprehensive student support.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Visual Arts Teacher 3-6
CCH District 160 / Meadowview Elementary
Country Club Hills, Illinois
08.2012 - 06.2022
- Created projects that maximized students' ability with challenging and creative artwork. Observed students to determine and evaluate qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, aptitudes, temperament, and individual characteristics. Differentiated lessons for maximum student growth.
- Directed and supervised student project activities, exhibits, and contests. Arranged exhibitions at District Rich South H.S., Grande Prairie Library & District Art show.
- Regarded as key team player by colleagues and school administration. Team Lead for Explorers Department.
- Researched best practices for arts integration and visual arts trends and applied new techniques to lesson plan material.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Taught students to identify key elements of style, intent, and emotion when experiencing art.
- Tracked student behaviors and gave parents feedback to provide comprehensive support for student growth and development.
- Instructed students on visual arts techniques and assigned related art projects for students' grade levels.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
Visual Arts Teacher K-5
Oak Lawn District 123/ Hannum & Sward Elementary
Oak Lawn, Illinois
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Created unique and diverse lessons that utilized Art, Language Arts, Social Studies and Math for cross-curriculum impact.
- Classroom organized and arranged for maximum impact.
- Created & Designed background scenery for the "Wizard of Oz" play.
- Arranged exhibitions throughout the school year both inside and outside the school of students' artwork.
- Researched best practices for arts integration and visual arts trends and applied new techniques to lesson plan material.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Taught students to identify key elements of style, intent and emotion when experiencing art.
- Tracked student behaviors and gave parents feedback to provide comprehensive support for student growth and development.
- Instructed students on visual arts techniques and assigned related art projects for students on grade levels.
Visual Arts Teacher K-8
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, Illinois
08.2004 - 01.2010
- Observed students to determine and evaluate qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, aptitudes, temperament, and individual characteristics. Team member of IBMYP program in Visual Arts 6-8.
- Directed and supervised student project activities, exhibits and contests.
- Awarded as a Hometown Hero for dedication and service to the Morgan Park Community and Esmond School.
- Improved operations through consistent hard work and dedication
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
Visual Arts Teacher K-5
Crete Monee School District
Monee, Illinois
08.2007 - 07.2008
- Conducted classes and demonstrations to teach principles, techniques, procedures and methods of Visual Art at two different schools within the district.
- Directed and supervised student project activities and exhibits. Student-teacher was hired by the school district for the following school year.
- Prepared outline of the instructional program, lesson plans, and established course goals with a student-teacher who was assigned to my classroom.
- Organized and set up Art Show for grades K-5 at Monee and Talala Elementary.
- Researched best practices for arts integration and visual arts trends and applied new techniques to lesson plan material.
- Instructed students on visual arts techniques and assigned related art projects for students in K-5 grade levels.
- Taught students to identify key elements of style, intent and emotion when experiencing art.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching, Teacher Leadership
12.2009 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
2002.01 - 2003.12
Skills
Art Teacher
Affiliations
- Member of Illinois Art Education Association
- Member of National Education Association
Accomplishments
- Student Involvement - Founder and adviser for student-led Leadership Team. Supervising bi-monthly meetings before school. Students led Food Drive, Kindness program and peer support.
- Donors Choose - Raised and received over $2,000 in art supplies for classrooms in 2 districts.
- Received Education Foundation Grant in District 160.
- Co-Founded Crocodile Club at Meadowview School. An after school program built to promote PBIS.
- Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
Certification
ISBE Certification IEIN # 691797
Timeline
Visual Arts Teacher 3-6 - CCH District 160 / Meadowview Elementary
08.2012 - 06.2022
Visual Arts Teacher K-5 - Oak Lawn District 123/ Hannum & Sward Elementary
08.2011 - 06.2012
Grand Canyon University - Master of Arts, Teaching, Teacher Leadership
12.2009 - 05.2011
Visual Arts Teacher K-5 - Crete Monee School District
08.2007 - 07.2008
Visual Arts Teacher K-8 - Chicago Public Schools
08.2004 - 01.2010
ISBE Certification IEIN # 691797
12-2003
Trinity Christian College - Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
2002.01 - 2003.12
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