Earning a Masters Degree in Education and K-12 Art Education Certification through the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Kansas, gaining real life experience teaching art at North Side Community School Charter and Sigel Elementary in the Saint Louis Public Schools district, my practicums at Gotsch Intermediate, Douglas Elementary and Lift for Life Academy and working in the Adventure Club program for the Webster Groves School District has prepared me well for this role.

I have a strong foundation in the principles and elements of art and design, art history and educational practices. I am highly motivated and encourage students to grow socially, emotionally and academically. I believe that Art Education creates leaders and innovators. Students that are given the opportunity to think creatively will develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.

My current position with North Side Community School in North St. Louis has been a wonderful experience. Their dedication for education and helping those in need is truly inspirational. I have loved getting to know the faculty and students at this school and have been inspired from these devoted educators. The opportunity to share my knowledge of the arts with the students at North Side, who are eager to learn, has been unforgettable. This is an excellent school with high exceptions and outstanding procedures, which creates an effective and caring teaching and learning environment. I have learned how loving and productive a school atmosphere can be when everyone supports one another and works towards common goals. I encourage students to make their own choices in the art room so that they can become confident risk takers. I believe in the importance of growth mindset and that students should have have ownership in their learning.

The opportunity to work with elementary students at Sigel Elementary from 2015 -2018 in St. Louis Public Schools was an exciting and meaningful experience. I watched my students gain confidence and become excited to learn more about the arts in the years that I spent working with them. Teaching students in the ages ranging from preschool to sixth grade has equipped me to understand and create curriculum for a variety of developmental stages. Each year that I was part of the SLPS District students from my school placed in the top three winners of the district wide art contests. I also became a Girls On The Run coach and I tutored 3^rd and 4^th grade students in Math and ELA after school.

Watching all my students gain self-confidence as they explore and progress in the art room has been a heartwarming journey. Creating a relatable curriculum that involves students’ interests, current events, choice and past experiences has been essential for generating meaningful learning. Lessons are inspired by my students’ curiosities and culture, current themes, historical art periods, cross-curricular connections, principles of art and design and a variety of art mediums that will give my students exposure to an assortment of different topics and studies in visual art. I am constantly adding new materials and activities into art curriculum to excite and engage students in their own individual learning journey. As students gain exposure in the art room I encourage them to generate their own themes and interests in art room as well.

I have continued to understand and maintain effective and consistent classroom management in the art room. I believe in the power of kindness and positivity and creating meaningful relationships with my students. If students know that they are loved and cared for they will have the strength and motivation to grow. I have enjoyed working with the variety of different students from my diverse educational experiences. I feel prepared and comfortable to teach every student in any atmosphere.

My first practicum experience in the Belleville School District allowed me the opportunity to create a thematic art curriculum and implement engaging lessons in classrooms ranging from 3rd to 6th grade. My subsequent experience creating curriculum and teaching students in 6th through 12th grade at Lift for Life Academy was key in my understanding of secondary students and their unique interests and needs. Pushing my older students to reach their fullest potential was very exciting. During both of these experiences I was able to share my love for art as well as my extensive content knowledge.

My second placement during my practicum II was in the Affton school district at Gotsch Intermediate. I had to opportunity to teach 3rd - 5th grade with a variety of enthusing and vibrant elementary art projects. This teaching experience allowed me to experience the importance of school culture and community. The supportive and trusting environment provided me with excellent examples of how to communicate and work with the students, staff, faculty and administration. I enjoyed creating an advanced art curriculum for the upper elementary students. It was exciting introducing new projects and mediums to the classrooms. It encouraged me to keep my lessons relevant and exciting to inspire students to become passionate and confident in the arts.

Working in the before and after-school program in the Webster Groves District and teaching during their summer program have afforded me additional perspectives concerning student growth and development. I cannot imagine my journey in teaching without these experiences. During the school year I would plan daily activities for students in grades K-5. Serving as a Homeroom Teacher during the summer program was vital for learning successful classroom management and mastering how to accommodate for the individual needs of every student. Along with this, I taught a variety of art classes such as Drawing & Painting and Ceramics during the summer program for students ranging in grades from 1st to 6th.

I have also had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for the UrbanArtsVoice program at UMSL where I encouraged troubled youth to become more imaginative and active in the community. Through these experiences, I have learned how to communicate and collaborate with students, parents and co-workers.

Teaching is my passion and I am grateful to have a journey in education. I am thankful for today and looking forward to my future. There is never a dull day in the classroom and I love getting to know my students! I am thankful to have the opportunity each day to learn, laugh and grow with them.