Virginia Ingelfinger
Los Gatos,California
Summary
Dynamic High School Visual Arts Instructor at East Side Union High School District, skilled in fostering creativity and critical thinking through innovative curriculum design. Expert in digital and traditional art with a focus on fine art painting. I successfully organized art exhibitions that enhanced community engagement through mural projects and local contests, inspiring students to explore their artistic passions.
Professional artist with strong background in visual arts education, adept at fostering creative expression and technical skills in students. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability, ensuring smooth integration into diverse team environments. Expertise in various artistic mediums, curriculum development, and individualized instruction. Consistently delivers impactful results in both classroom settings and community projects.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Visual Arts Instructor
East Side Union High School District
11.2004 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging visual arts curriculum for diverse student populations i.e. curriculum including handouts and presentations are translated in multiple languages.
- Fostered creative expression through hands-on projects and collaborative activities.
- Utilized various art mediums and techniques, both traditional and digital, to enhance student learning experiences.
- Guided students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through artistic expression.
- Organized art exhibitions showcasing student work to promote community engagement and appreciation.
- Organized community based murals as the Mural Club Advisor, throughout my 20+ year career. Both traditional and digital murals can be viewed throughout the Independence High School campus.
- Mentored fellow instructors in best practices for teaching visual arts effectively. Worked with 20+ SJSU Single Subject Art Candidates who are currently working in ESUHSD and other Bay Area school districts.
- Enhanced classroom environments by integrating technology into art instruction and projects. Students work with various industry standard digital arts software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, Clip Studio Paint and ProCreate.
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback to support individual growth in artistry. I utilize both individualized and constructivism teaching strategies and methodologies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects, ensuring students gained well-rounded exposure to various art forms.
- Increased interest in the visual arts program by developing informative presentations for prospective students and parents during open house events. Parents have stated a desire to take my courses.
- Developed engaging lesson plans, fostering a classroom environment that encouraged artistic expression and skill development.
- Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth. Students have participated in many different local and Bay Area based art contests including San Jose Downtown Doors, Los Gatos NUMU Art Now, Congressional Art Competition, SF Human Trafficking Awareness, University Art Emerging Artists, amongst others and have consistently won every year.
- Assessed student learning to evaluate student learning and progress through tests, performances and portfolios. Students compose a body of work/portfolio to submit to the College Board to be assessed. Student passing rate is above 95%.
- Provided extra help and support to offer additional support to struggling students and encourage success in art subjects. I work with students during my prep period, lunch and after school when requested.
- Used technology in classrooms to integrate technology and multimedia tools into art lessons and enhance student learning. I teach multiple sections and they all work with digital arts tools to create fine art digital paintings and artworks.
- Managed classroom behavior to establish and maintain clear classroom behavior and discipline expectations. Students feel safe and included.
- Planned and delivered lessons to teach classes in arts to engage and educate students.
- Communicated with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
- Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Assisted students in creating diverse portfolios by encouraging experimentation with different media and techniques.
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs, resulting in improved student understanding and engagement with course material.
- Organized successful art exhibitions for showcasing student work, raising awareness of the visual arts program within the school community. I have set up annual gallery art shows throughout the school year.
- Strengthened connections between students'' coursework and real-world applications of their skills through arranging guest speakers from various art-related professions.
- Established strong relationships with local artists and galleries, providing opportunities for students to engage with professionals in the field.
- Boosted student confidence in their artistic abilities by providing constructive feedback and guidance on individual assignments.
- Taught classes on painting, collage, and color theory.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media including both traditional and digital fine art painting, graphic illustrations, ceramic sculpture and pottery and many more media.
- Incorporated student interests and experiences to make learning relevant and meaningful. Continually changing my curriculum to keep it modern, contemporary, cultural relevant and engaging.
- Mentored aspiring artists, providing constructive feedback and individualized guidance for improvement.
Education
Single Subject Credential - Art
San Jose State University
San Jose, California, CA06-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Art
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA05-2001
Skills
- Digital Arts applications
- Adobe Create Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, & In Design
- Clip Studio Paint
- ProCreate
- Traditional and Digital Muralist
- Collaborative teaching
- 3D modeling expertise
- Student engagement
- Graphic design and illustration
- Adaptive learning
- Visual storytelling
- Digital art proficiency
- Sculpture techniques
- Color theory mastery
- Art history
- Printmaking techniques
- Advanced painting skills
- Multimedia art creation
- Acrylic painting
- Expert drawing techniques
- Classroom management
- Motivational
- Lesson planning
- Curriculum implementation
- Group and individual instruction
- Project-based learning
- Individualized instruction
- Ceramic sculpture
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Creativity and artistic expression
- Instructional strategies
- Creative thinking
Timeline
High School Visual Arts Instructor
East Side Union High School District
11.2004 - Current
Single Subject Credential - Art
San Jose State University
Bachelor of Arts - Art
San Francisco State University