Melissa L. Wojcik
Oak Forest
Summary
Dynamic art educator with extensive experience in art theories and principles, certified in Elementary K-8 and licensed in Illinois. Expertise in integrating art history, appreciation, and criticism into engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles, fostering an environment that motivates students to excel. Proven track record of nurturing artistic talents and cultivating creativity through innovative teaching techniques that enhance critical thinking skills across all age groups. Committed to professional growth and collaboration, consistently achieving educational goals while maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Art Teacher
School District 168
Sauk Village, Illinois
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Participated in professional development opportunities to remain current on trends and research related to arts education.
- Managed materials inventory effectively, ensuring adequate supplies were available for all students'' needs without exceeding budget constraints.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, connecting art with other subjects.
- Integrated multicultural perspectives into art lessons, promoting an appreciation for diverse cultures and artistic expressions.
- Designed engaging lesson plans that fostered artistic growth while adhering to state and national standards for arts education.
Visual Arts Teacher 3-5
CCH District 160 / Meadowview Elementary
Country Club Hills, Illinois
08.2012 - 07.2025
- Achieved significant student engagement through the implementation of creative art projects. Conducted thorough assessments of student abilities and interests to inform instructional design. Optimized lesson differentiation to maximize student learning and development.
- 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.
- Evaluated effective arts integration strategies and applied contemporary visual arts techniques to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Instructed students on identifying and interpreting significant stylistic elements and emotional expressions within various art forms.
- 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
- Cultivated strong relationships by demonstrating respect, friendliness, and a readiness to assist colleagues and clients.
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 Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Trinity Christian College
Palos Heights, IL12.2003
Skills
- Art Teacher
- Innovative Lessons
- Extremely Organized
- Creative
- Lesson planning
- Motivating students
- Middle School Endorsement
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 $4,000 in art supplies for classrooms in 3 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.
Affiliations
- Member of Illinois Art Education Association
- Member of National Education Association
Certification
ISBE Certification IEIN # 691797
Timeline
Elementary Art Teacher
School District 168
08.2025 - 12.2025
Visual Arts Teacher 3-5
CCH District 160 / Meadowview Elementary
08.2012 - 07.2025
Visual Arts Teacher K-5
Oak Lawn District 123/ Hannum & Sward Elementary
08.2011 - 06.2012
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
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Trinity Christian College
Master of Arts - Teaching Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Personal Information
Certifications
12-2003