Art Teacher

My name is Mrs.Mendoza,

This is my 11th year teaching at Rancho Gabriela and the lead for the Dysart district Elementary Art Department.  I came from a background at the Phoenix Center for the Arts where I programmed and managed fine arts classes and managed monthly exhibitions for artists of all ages.  Teaching art and teaching children are my passion, so I made the most adventuress choice to become an art teacher!  I obtained my bachelors in Fine Art Education from ASU with high distinction and a few years later, I completed my Master's in Education Administration.

I love being part of the creative processes that children go through in creating art and I learn new things everyday from being part of it. I strongly believe mistakes are a part of learning.  Figuring out what to do with a mistake is part of the creative process which harbors growth, exploration, and achievement.  

I believe that there is no one way to do anything, but many ways to do everything and I relish in supporting young artists through their problem solving journey. 

I aspire to open student's minds...If you can dream it, you can do it! 

Me personally... I am a mother of three beautiful girls, ages 21 years, 11 years, and 9 years old, all who are/were students at Rancho Gabriela.  I was born and raised in Arizona and love the culture and history of Arizona.  Aside from teaching art, I am also the President of the Dysart Education Association, advocating for all teachers in the Dysart District.  During my summers, I am a commissioned painter and mural artist.  I love spending time with family, family, family, friends, and at the occasional First Friday Art scene!