Travel, reading, history, HAM radio, volunteering, gardening, and vehicle restoration
Thomas Birtley
Aurora
Summary
Dynamic Visual Arts Teacher with a proven track record at Douglas County School District, recognized for fostering creativity and enhancing student engagement through project-based learning. Skilled in relationship building and adaptable teaching strategies, I have successfully led award-winning art programs and mentored peers, significantly increasing program popularity and student enrollment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Arts Teacher
Douglas County School District
08.2014 - Current
- Increased interest in the visual arts program by developing informative presentations for prospective students and parents during open house, and community outreach events.
- Developed engaging lesson plans, fostering a classroom environment that encouraged artistic expression and skill development.
- Implemented assessment tools for evaluating student progress, enabling tailored instruction to support individual growth and development.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating hands-on projects and visual learning techniques into the curriculum.
- Multiple award winning entries into local, state, and nation-wide art competitions including a Scholastics National Gold-Key Winner.
- Mentored fellow teachers in incorporating visual arts elements into their lessons, enriching overall curriculum offerings.
- Nominated several times for an Apple Award (highest honor in DCSD) and nominated for Colorado Teacher of the Year 2025. Voted teacher of the month by students in the first month of the program.
- Organized multi-district Continental League art show for numerous years.
- Served as Dept. Chair for Visual arts from 2019 to present, helping teachers navigate the pandemic classroom and growing the department enough to add an additional full-time teacher. Our program is now popular enough that most classes have a wait list.
Substitute Teacher
Aurora School District
08.2014 - 05.2015
- Worked as a substitute teacher in numerous buildings. Became the "go to" sub for several schools.
- Handled various school environments from elementary to high school. Worked with diverse students from high and low-income areas, including many ELs.
Visual Arts Teacher
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Managed classroom resources effectively, ensuring materials were readily available and maintained for optimal use throughout the academic year.
- Developed a 3-dimensional curriculum in ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry.
- Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
Visual Arts Teacher
Huntington Beach Union High School District
08.2009 - 06.2013
- Hired for my first teaching job two days before the start of the school year.
- Advocated for my program through every possible avenue.
- Went from a disused mobile classroom used for sports equipment storage with no tables or chairs, to a well stocked classroom within the first week of school.
- Built the position from part-time to full-time by the end of my first year.
- Developed engaging lesson plans, fostering a classroom environment that encouraged artistic expression and skill development.
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs, and cultural expectations, resulting in improved student understanding and engagement with course material.
- Worked with the Dept. Chair on our own time, to develop a system of temporary walls that allowed for a district-wide art show to be held at the district headquarters, helping to build awareness of the arts with those making decisions.
- Dept. Chair/Mentor teacher selected me to work with an incoming student teacher by the end of my 4th year, but my wife and I ended up moving to Colorado.
Student Teacher
Capistrano Valley School District
10.2008 - 01.2009
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, enforcing classroom rules, and fostering open communication.
- Worked with headquarters to display student artwork directly behind members in the boardroom to greatly broaden public awareness during televised board meetings.
- Was highly recommended by master teacher, but there were no available positions at the school.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Arts
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CANo Degree - Drawing And Etching
La Accademia Di Belli Arti
Florence, ItalyMaster of Arts - Education
University of Phoenix
Orange County, CASkills
- Collaborative teaching
- Project-based learning
- Relationship building
- Adaptability and flexibility
Accomplishments
Student work displayed at Denver Art Museum, and Denver Museum of Contemporary Art
Art Dept. Chair 2019 to present
National Scholastics Gold-Key Winner
Apple Award Nominee 2023
Apple Award Nominee 2025
Colorado Teacher of the Year Nominee 2025
Interests
Timeline
Visual Arts Teacher
Douglas County School District
08.2014 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Aurora School District
08.2014 - 05.2015
Visual Arts Teacher
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
08.2013 - 05.2014
Visual Arts Teacher
Huntington Beach Union High School District
08.2009 - 06.2013
Student Teacher
Capistrano Valley School District
10.2008 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Arts
Sonoma State University
No Degree - Drawing And Etching
La Accademia Di Belli Arti
Master of Arts - Education
University of Phoenix
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