I have been teaching (and learning!) in Philly for over 15 years and this begins my 9th year at YSCS! In addition to teaching our 8th grade Art as "Imagination Lab" I lead our Expeditions (Field study trips) and Project Based Learning.

I grew up in Harrisburg area, the daughter of a carpenter/builder and a "from scratch"/DIY home. I earned my undergrad degree in sculpture and relish any chance I can create. However, with two little ones my creativity is mostly channeled into gardening and cooking these days. We love exploring and if we are not at arts events, nature is our adventure and respite. I am learning Italian slowly ("Sto imparando, lentamente") so that I can communicate with my husband's family.

I am driven by the urgent need for education equity and justice. I will never forget the first time I took a canvas out on the front lawn of my college apartment in Anaheim, CA... and the kids that crowded around. The relationships that I built with those young people changed me forever and made the power of art so tangible. Simply, I believe to create is to have agency and power and I have worked and fought ever since to implement rigorous creative opportunities for students in Los Angeles, Guatemala, Malaysia, and of course Philadelphia. I believe learning should be relevant, hands-on, and should never be limited to the classroom. Most importantly I believe it is reciprocal - I learn just as much from my students!

Charlene Caposecco, M.Ed

ccaposecco@phillyscholars.org

IG: imagine_at_yscs