Monika Markacs
New York
Summary
Art educator and ceramic artist with over 13 years in K-12 settings. Developed engaging, standards-based curricula that integrate art history and foster critical thinking. Strong commitment to mentoring students in portfolio development and creating inquiry-driven learning experiences.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
K-12 Art Teacher
Solomon Schechter School of Long Island
Williston Park
09.2021 - Current
- Teach visual arts within a comprehensive K-12 school program, including high school elective art courses.
- Developed and implemented a standards-based curriculum in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, mixed media, printmaking, and design to enhance student artistic skills and creativity.
- Integrate art history, cultural traditions, and contemporary artists into studio instruction to strengthen visual literacy and critical thinking.
- Provide individualized instruction for advanced art students pursuing portfolio development and artistic growth.
- Mentor students preparing portfolios for advanced coursework, specialized programs, and college admissions.
- Encourage experimentation, creative problem-solving, and development of individual artistic voices.
- Differentiated instruction to support diverse learning styles, abilities, and artistic goals, enabling all students to achieve their full potential in art education.
- Organized student exhibitions, school-wide displays, and community art showcases to promote student artwork and foster community engagement.
- Collaborate with faculty to support interdisciplinary learning initiatives.
Art Teacher / Visual Arts Instructor
Private Art Studio
Roslyn
11.2012 - 08.2021
- Designed individualized instruction in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, and mixed media.
- Prepared students for exhibitions, portfolios, and artistic presentations.
- Customized curriculum to align with student interests, developmental levels, and creative aspirations.
- Instructed children, teenagers, and adults in visual arts techniques and concepts in private studio settings.
- Delivered engaging online art instruction during remote learning, fostering creativity and artistic expression.
Translator
Private Good Luck - Sherwin Gluck, Author
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Translated historical family correspondence from Hungarian to English, enabling publication of Private Good Luck, a memoir documenting family's experiences during the Nazi era and World War II.
- Translated personal letters between Hungarian relatives and family members in the United States, preserving cultural connections and family history.
- Published memoir on Amazon, sharing family's story of resilience and contributing to historical awareness.
Student Teacher - Art Education
Manhasset Middle School
Manhasset
03.2012 - 06.2012
- Facilitated hands-on studio learning experiences that encouraged student self-expression and artistic exploration.
- Taught drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed-media projects.
- Developed and delivered engaging, standards-based art lessons that fostered student creativity.
Student Teacher - Elementary Art Education
Shelter Rock Elementary School
Manhasset
01.2012 - 03.2012
- Developed and taught engaging elementary art lessons that fostered creativity and artistic expression.
- Introduced ceramics through hands-on projects, enhancing students' understanding of three-dimensional art forms.
- Integrated artist studies and art history into classroom instruction, enriching students' appreciation of art and its cultural significance.
Computer Technician
Secured Practice
Garden City
03.2009 - 01.2010
Childcare Provider / Nanny / Daycare Provider
Private Families
01.2000 - 01.2008
Ceramic Studio Artist
Private Ceramic & Porcelain Studios - Europe
01.1995 - 12.1999
- Executed wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing, surface decoration, and kiln firing techniques to produce high-quality ceramics.
- Crafted unique functional and decorative ceramic pieces, enhancing aesthetic appeal and usability.
- Established and refined professional studio practices to elevate ceramic craftsmanship and streamline artistic production.
Mortgage Assistant / Consultant
Budapest, Hungary
01.1992 - 12.1994
Store Manager
Budapest, Hungary
01.1991 - 12.1992
Education
Master of Arts - Art History
Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY)
New York, NY12-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education (Art K-12) and Studio Art
Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY)
New York, NY06-2012
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY06-2008
Advanced Diploma - Applied Arts
School of Arts
Budapest, Hungary06-1991
Skills
- K-12 Art Education
- Art elective instruction
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Project-Based Learning
- Inquiry-Based Learning
- Art history integration
- Visual analysis
- Student Portfolio Development
- College Portfolio Preparation
- Drawing
- Painting
- Watercolor
- Mixed Media
- Ceramics and Sculpture Instruction
- Ceramics
- Wheel Throwing
- Hand-Building Techniques
- Glazing and Surface Decoration
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Exhibition planning
- Classroom Management
- Interdisciplinary Learning
- Art research
- Museum education
- Digital curriculum
- Presentation development
- Digital platforms
- Classroom technology
- Learning systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
Digital Educational Technology Skills
- Digital curriculum development and presentation design
- Learning management systems and digital classroom platforms
- Interactive classroom technology
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform the way students see themselves and the world around them. Every child is creative, and my role as an art teacher is to help students discover that creativity while building their confidence, curiosity, and ability to think independently. In my classroom, I strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and expressing their ideas. Art is much more than learning techniques-it encourages students to solve problems, make thoughtful decisions, and communicate in ways that words often cannot. I enjoy helping students connect what they create to their own lives, cultures, and experiences so that art becomes meaningful and relevant to them. I also believe that art provides a unique opportunity to explore different cultures, historical periods, and perspectives. By introducing students to a wide range of artists and artistic traditions, I encourage them to appreciate diversity, think critically, and develop empathy for others. Teaching brings together my two greatest passions: working with children and creating art. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a student gain confidence, discover a new talent, or realize they are capable of more than they imagined. My goal is to inspire a lifelong appreciation for art while helping students develop creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them far beyond the art classroom. For me, teaching art is not simply about making artwork-it is about helping students grow into thoughtful, confident, and creative individuals.
Languages
- English
- Hungarian
Studio Art Skills
- Ceramics
- Wheel Throwing
- Hand-Building Techniques
- Glazing and Surface Decoration
- Sculpture
- Drawing
- Painting
- Watercolor
- Mixed Media
- Printmaking
Graduate Research Experience
- Independent Study: Divinity, Mythology, and Political Authority in Greek Vase Painting and Roman Wall Painting, Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), 09/01/26, 12/01/26, 3, Professor Michael Nelson, Conducting graduate-level research on the representation of mythology, religion, cultural identity, and political authority in ancient Greek and Roman visual culture.
- Independent Study: Baroque Art, Museum Interpretation, and Gallery Education, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York, NY, Professor Heather Horton, Conducted advanced research on Baroque painting through direct observation and scholarly analysis of works in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's European painting collections.
Timeline
K-12 Art Teacher
Solomon Schechter School of Long Island
09.2021 - Current
Translator
Private Good Luck - Sherwin Gluck, Author
01.2019 - 01.2021
Art Teacher / Visual Arts Instructor
Private Art Studio
11.2012 - 08.2021
Student Teacher - Art Education
Manhasset Middle School
03.2012 - 06.2012
Student Teacher - Elementary Art Education
Shelter Rock Elementary School
01.2012 - 03.2012
Computer Technician
Secured Practice
03.2009 - 01.2010
Childcare Provider / Nanny / Daycare Provider
Private Families
01.2000 - 01.2008
Ceramic Studio Artist
Private Ceramic & Porcelain Studios - Europe
01.1995 - 12.1999
Mortgage Assistant / Consultant
Budapest, Hungary
01.1992 - 12.1994
Store Manager
Budapest, Hungary
01.1991 - 12.1992
Master of Arts - Art History
Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY)
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education (Art K-12) and Studio Art
Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY)
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Nassau Community College
Advanced Diploma - Applied Arts
School of Arts