VaChanta A. Simms
Manor,TX
Summary
Teaching Artist with extensive experience at Hyde Park Art Center, specializing in multimedia integration and collaborative curriculum development. Developed innovative art programs that significantly increased teen engagement and creativity. Achieved high program retention rates and secured multiple repeat contracts through adaptability and responsiveness to participant needs.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Teaching Artist
Carter G. Woodson Elementary, Ariel Elementary Community Academy, James E. McDade Elementary Classical School, James R. Doolittle Elementary School
Chicago, IL
09.2022 - 06.2025
- Company Overview: Contract Teaching Artist for Chicago Public Schools under Pathways Partnerships through Hyde Park Art Center
- Teach Fine Arts to grade levels K-8th grade, implementing various art styles, art history under Chicago Public School safety guidelines for using special materials and tools per grade level.
- Managed and installed various assigned projects for grade levels K-8th for assemblies, bulletin boards, classroom enrichment, and school-sanctioned holidays.
- Served as a helping hand to all Teaching Aids and Paraprofessionals who assisted students who needed accommodations for special learning styles in cluster classrooms.
- Served as a translator and art educator for students who had language barriers and needed accommodations for special learning styles in main classrooms by adapting lesson planning and learning from the Administration and Paraprofessionals.
- Facilitated different artful events and activities beneficial to middle school students.
- Contract Teaching Artist for Chicago Public Schools under Pathways Partnerships through Hyde Park Art Center
Contract Teaching Artist/Program Instructor
Hyde Park Art Center
Chicago, IL
02.2021 - 06.2025
- Passionate and adaptable Teaching Artist with a strong background in art education, instructing and facilitating a 30-week art program consisting of 12-15 teenage artists. Focused on empowering Chicago teens to create, plan, and execute year-round events and art interventions.
- Customized curriculum using targeted lesson planning to meet teens' needs and align with event planning standards, enhancing engagement and strengthening art-making skills.
- Collaborated with faculty, resident artists, and program coordinator to ensure projects and events meet objectives, resulting in positive feedback that led to repeat contracts and high program applicant retention.
- Guided teens to produce a 12-hour, nonstop overnight event attended by 60+ participants, establishing it as a consecutive annual occurrence and beloved program feature.
- Skills: Flexibility and Adaptability, Multimedia Art Integration, Budgeting, Time Management, Collaborative Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning, Improvisational Techniques
Teaching Artist/Instructor
The Academy Group
Chicago, IL
10.2022 - 05.2024
- To manage and instruct the classroom with the planning, supervising, and implementing the curriculum program per the policies and philosophy of The Academy Group and the criteria set forth by the Hyde Park Art Center Teaching Artist contract for grades 3rd-8th.
- Lead and educate children through all activities and projects (Photography and Collage) in preparation for of end-of-term art fair.
- Guide students through the proper use of professional cameras and photo shoot technologies by exposing students to real-world implications in the world of photography.
- Maintain a professional and positive relationship with the administration through daily communication.
- Demonstrate different techniques to achieve desired outcomes for student enrichment while following the lesson plan.
- Maintain the classroom learning center with the appropriate learning materials and supplies set forth by the standards of The Academy Group curriculum for parents to interact with the students' curriculum.
- Managed printed photoshoots by leading classroom-wide art critiques to keep students engaged with lessons, improve confidence in abilities, and encourage expansion of creativity.
Education
Business Management - Financial Planning
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA12.2019
Skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Multimedia integration
- Budget management
- Time management
- Collaborative curriculum development
- Improvisation techniques
References
- Mike Nourse, Director of Education, Hyde Park Art Center, mnourse@hydeparkart.org
- Gregory Smith, Director of Partnerships, Hyde Park Art Center, gsmith@hydeparkart.org
- Harley Reid, Manager and Coordinator of Teen Programs, Hyde Park Art Center, hreid@hydeparkart.org
Timeline
Teaching Artist/Instructor
The Academy Group
10.2022 - 05.2024
Contract Teaching Artist
Carter G. Woodson Elementary, Ariel Elementary Community Academy, James E. McDade Elementary Classical School, James R. Doolittle Elementary School
09.2022 - 06.2025
Contract Teaching Artist/Program Instructor
Hyde Park Art Center
02.2021 - 06.2025
Business Management - Financial Planning
Clark Atlanta University
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