Vareka Gary
Franklin,VA
Summary
Creative Art Teacher possessing in-depth knowledge of various art theories and principles. Engaging and energetic professional certified in Art Education and licensed in Virginia. Polished in integrating art history, art appreciation and art criticism into all lesson plans and collaborating with classroom teachers to incorporate learning through art. Committed to designing lessons to accommodate broad range of learning styles and encouraging students to reach fullest potential.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Art Teacher
Southampton County Public Schools
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided individualized attention to struggling students through one-on-one tutoring sessions, boosting their confidence and skill development..
- Deescalated hostile situations between students.
- Provided guidance to students facing mental health issues.
- Listen attentively to students vent about any and all issues they were experiencing, and finding healthy resolutions. (When the issue required the building social worker or a guidance counselor they were notified.)
- Provided individualized attention to struggling students through one-on-one tutoring sessions, boosting their confidence and skill development.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to address student issues.
- Served as advisor for the school''s Art Club, guiding students in organizing events and developing leadership skills.
- Assisted students in developing unique artistic skills and techniques.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Developed assessment tools for evaluating student progress, providing timely feedback to guide improvements.
Middle School Art Teacher
Franklin City Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2022
- Assisted in development of student portfolios for college and scholarship applications.
- Integrated Smartboard and other instructional technologies into classroom.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in art education and incorporate innovative teaching methods into the classroom.
- Planned and supervised class projects, field trips and visits by guest speakers.
- Organized school-wide art exhibits to showcase student talent and promote an appreciation for the arts within the community.
- Increased parent satisfaction through well-organized IEP meetings and family conferences focused on improving parent-child bonding skills.
- Fostered a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students felt comfortable expressing their ideas without fear of judgment or ridicule.
- Documented student work in order to exhibit and celebrate learning process of each child.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced students'' creative expression through a variety of art mediums, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.
- Managed art supplies inventory efficiently, ensuring availability of necessary materials while staying within budget constraints.
- Enhanced classroom instruction with multimedia presentations.
- Assisted students in developing unique artistic skills and techniques.
- Administered and interpreted assessment results to determine learners' challenges.
- Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians, keeping them informed about student achievements and areas for improvement.
- Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
- Organized and led field trips to local art galleries and museums to enrich curriculum and student experience.
- Devised and implemented classroom management strategies, maintaining safe and pleasant learning environment.
Office Service Specialist
Greensville Correctional Center
10.2012 - 04.2014
- Organized events and meetings to maximize capacity and keep event venues running smoothly.
- Screen Offenders in the Re-Entry Building.
- Data Entry for several offenders and staff members.
- Notary services to offenders.
- Attending meetings and recording/typing notes/minutes for building Unit Manager.
- Supported colleagues in daily administrative tasks when needed including data entry or report generation.
- Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.
- Answered calls to address customer inquiries, confirm appointments, and provide information..
- Reviewed files and records to obtain information to respond to customer and client requests.
- Enhanced office efficiency by streamlining document management systems and implementing digital filing solutions.
Correctional Officer
Greensville Correctional Center
09.2010 - 10.2012
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Supported the re-entry process for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources, such as job training programs and community-based services.
- Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Identified needed updates to correctional plans and assigned inmates to appropriate housing.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
- Received and accounted for personal possessions and determined inmate work assignments.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Provided guidance and support to inmates to help reintegrate in society and establish new beginnings.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN12.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Visual Arts And Communication
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA12.2009
Skills
- Collaborative Teaching
- Program Development
- Safe, Positive Learning Environment
- Differentiated Instruction
- Remedial Program Implementation
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Acrylic painting
- Individualized Instruction
- Progress Reporting
- Curriculum Implementation
- Inclusivity awareness
- Faculty Collaboration and Support
- Grading
- Google Classroom
- Student Mentoring
- Classroom Management
- Instructional Materials Preparation
- Parent and Guardian Communication
- Creative Thinking
- Color theory
- Student Engagement
- Technology Integration
Affiliations
- Rawls Art Museum
Timeline
High School Art Teacher
Southampton County Public Schools
06.2022 - 08.2023
Middle School Art Teacher
Franklin City Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2022
Office Service Specialist
Greensville Correctional Center
10.2012 - 04.2014
Correctional Officer
Greensville Correctional Center
09.2010 - 10.2012
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Walden University
Bachelor of Arts - Visual Arts And Communication
Virginia State University
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