Theresa Stephens
Laguna Niguel,CA
Summary
Dynamic and passionate art educator with experience teaching elementary and middle school students, introducing a wide range of art mediums and art history concepts through engaging, age-appropriate, and student-centered lessons. Skilled in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression while maintaining an inclusive, supportive classroom environment that encourages participation and confidence.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Visual Arts Teacher
Mission Basilica School
08.2015 - Current
- Established and managed the school’s first art program for grades TK–8.
- Proficiency in multiple mediums including painting (watercolor, acrylic paint), drawing (chalk and oil pastels), printmaking and sculpture (clay).
- Created art projects while inspiring, teaching and assisting students in developing creativity and self-expression through a variety of art forms and media.
- Provided extra help and support to offer additional support to struggling students and encourage success in art subjects.
- Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
- Developed and implemented engaging art lessons for students in grades TK - 8.
- Assessed student work and provided constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create stimulating art curriculums.
- Evaluated and graded students' class work.
- Planned and delivered PowerPoint lessons on master artists, followed by hands-on art projects reflecting each artist's style.
- Traveled locally and internationally to museums to enhance teaching skills and expand art knowledge.
- Collaborated with community arts organizations to organize art contests, providing students with opportunities for learning and growth.
- Managed classroom behavior to establish and maintain clear classroom behavior and discipline expectations.
- Incorporated student interests and experiences to make learning relevant and meaningful.
- Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
- Initiated and led after-school art classes and summer art camps, providing students with structured opportunities to continue developing artistic skills beyond the classroom.
- Worked with classroom parents to coordinate fundraising events featuring student art projects.
- Organized art shows for school open houses to showcase student work.
Art Instructor
Art Masters, Incorporated
01.2004 - 2015
- Conducted art lessons for several schools in the Capistrano and Saddleback Unified School Districts, delivering engaging and educational content to students.
- Implemented age-appropriate art projects for students ranging from grades TK - 8.
- Mentored in over 36 art lesson plans surrounding various types of art, history and culture.
- Provided training to parent volunteers and substitute teachers, ensuring smooth classroom operations and support.
- Established positive relationships with teachers, parents, and volunteers, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Communications
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CASkills
- Art History & Theory
- Multimedia instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management
- Assessment & Critique
- Empathy & Patience
- Collaboration
- Progress reporting
- Supply management
Certification
Instagram.Com/HereYouGoghArt
Timeline
Visual Arts Teacher
Mission Basilica School
08.2015 - Current
Art Instructor
Art Masters, Incorporated
01.2004 - 2015
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Communications
California State University, Fullerton