Samantha Kickingbird
Edmond,OK
Summary
Innovative, student-centered educator with expertise in traditional and digital visual arts mediums. Offers 13-years of experience, supporting students, and developing instructional plans. Dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for fine arts while equipping students with essential technical skills. Integrates art history, and criticism into engaging lessons, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of artworks and their societal contexts. Proven ability to inspire creativity and adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles. Committed to collaborating with fellow educators to enhance interdisciplinary learning through the transformative power of art.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Arts, AP Studio Arts Teacher
Northwest Classen High School
01.2017 - Current
- Designed arts curriculum aligned with state standards and classroom learning objectives.
- Instructed students in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed-media techniques.
- Assessed student artwork and provided constructive feedback to improve skill development.
- Managed classroom behavior while maintaining safe, organized art studio environment.
- Adapted lesson plans for diverse learning needs and skill levels.
- Exhibited student artwork to encourage creativity and schoolwide engagement.
- Connected with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, concerns, and achievements.
- Mentored new teachers in the department to ensure their smooth transition into the school community.
Illustrator
Oklahoma City Ballet
07.2023 - 10.2024
- Collaborated with clients and creative teams to translate ideas into polished visual concepts.
- Increased client satisfaction by delivering high-quality illustrations within tight deadlines.
- Prepared final artwork for publication, ensuring accurate formatting, resolution, and color consistency.
Secondary Team Leader
OKCPS Fine Arts Department
09.2016 - 05.2019
- Supervised fine arts staff workflow, ensuring consistent support for performances and daily department operations.
- Trained team members on department procedures, communication standards, and task expectations.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to align activities with program goals and deadlines.
- Prepared reports, updates, and documentation to support accurate department communication.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress toward goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.
Visual Arts Teacher
Roosevelt Middle School
08.2013 - 05.2017
- Designed visual arts lessons aligned with middle school curriculum standards and student skill levels
- Taught drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed-media techniques using age-appropriate classroom demonstrations
- Managed classroom materials, studio supplies, and cleanup procedures to maintain organized learning environments
- Assessed student artwork and provided clear feedback to support artistic growth and technique refinement
- Adapted instruction for diverse learners, including students needing additional support or enrichment
- Integrated art history and visual culture concepts into hands-on projects to strengthen creative understanding
- Facilitated critiques and guided students in discussing artistic choices, process, and finished work
Illustration Director, and illustrator
Tate Publishing
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Guided staff through deadlines, priorities, and cross-functional publishing requirements.
- Improved operational consistency by refining editorial processes and publication standards.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Created original illustrations for print and digital projects using hand-drawn and vector techniques.
- Prepared final artwork for publication, ensuring accurate formatting, resolution, and color consistency.
- Collaborated with clients and creative teams to translate ideas into polished visual concepts.
- Managed multiple illustration assignments while meeting deadlines and maintaining consistent quality.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining open lines of communication with colleagues.
- Consistently produced high-quality artwork under tight deadlines, resulting in increased client retention rates.
- Demonstrated versatility in illustrating different subject matters, serving a wide range of industries including publishing, advertising, and animation.
- Mentored junior illustrators, fostering professional growth and skill development within the team.
- Adapted illustration styles to fit specific client needs or preferences while maintaining artistic integrity.
- Managed author communications through development, and publication stages.
Illustrator
Gail Schwettmann
- Developed character, concept, and scene artwork aligned with client direction and project goals.
- Created original illustrations for print and digital projects using hand-drawn and vector techniques.
Marilyn Schuler
- Author, illustrations for web header and promotional materials
Dr. Paul Stafford
- Orthopedist, Tulsa. Renderings for scientific publications
OU Health Sciences Center College of Orthopedics
- Scientific renderings for publications
illustrator
Mindstir Media
01.2013 - 01.2014
AP Reader
AP College Board
06.2024 - Current
- Reviewed submissions against established criteria for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
- Assessed candidate or program materials using standardized evaluation frameworks.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing among colleagues by presenting key insights from completed evaluations at internal meetings.
- Implemented quality control measures that significantly reduced errors in evaluations and reports.
- Delivered differentiated instruction to support varied learning needs and classroom participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to refine instruction and improve student outcomes.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
Education
B.F.A. - Interior Design, graphic design and illustration
The University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK01.2009
Master of Arts - Arts Education
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK12.2026
B.F.A. - studio art, painting, sculpture, and photography, and a minor emphasis in art history
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK01.2005
Skills
- Art instruction
- Curriculum development
- Lesson plans
- Curriculum assessment
- Assessment design
- Student needs assessment
- Artistic technique development
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Three-dimensional design
- Digital art tools
- Adobe creative suite
- Visual documentation
- Student showcase events
- AP Certified for Visual Art, 10 years
Certification
Oklahoma Teacher Certification, 2013-present
Timeline
AP Reader
AP College Board
06.2024 - Current
Illustrator
Oklahoma City Ballet
07.2023 - 10.2024
Visual Arts, AP Studio Arts Teacher
Northwest Classen High School
01.2017 - Current
Secondary Team Leader
OKCPS Fine Arts Department
09.2016 - 05.2019
Visual Arts Teacher
Roosevelt Middle School
08.2013 - 05.2017
illustrator
Mindstir Media
01.2013 - 01.2014
Illustration Director, and illustrator
Tate Publishing
01.2011 - 01.2013
OU Health Sciences Center College of Orthopedics
Dr. Paul Stafford
Marilyn Schuler
Illustrator
Gail Schwettmann
B.F.A. - Interior Design, graphic design and illustration
The University of Central Oklahoma
Master of Arts - Arts Education
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
B.F.A. - studio art, painting, sculpture, and photography, and a minor emphasis in art history
The University of Oklahoma