Qualifications

Proficient in a variety of art mediums including but not limited to drawing and painting, ceramics, 3-D and 2-D fundamentals, and photography.   Adept at networking to cultivate ties from organizations that will support student success within the Arts.   Accomplished at evaluating departmental needs and developing student-focused teaching strategies, projects and lesson plans.  Exemplary interpersonal skills.  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.  Well-organized and detail focused.

Highlights

♦Successfully completed the Nurturing Teacher Leadership Program (NTL) through the Chicago Teacher’s Union, which included approximately 800 hours of professional development and supported my achievement of National Board Certification.

♦Championed the expansion of my former Visual Arts Department, successfully lobbying for additional rooms and a broader course selection based off of expanded student interest and enrollment, and independently established a Visual art Department within current position.

♦Devised a contemporary arts curriculum for all Visual Arts courses that included vertical structuring for students interested in pursuing art at the college level through an increase in course offerings and an Advanced Placement Program.  

♦Established arts-related projects, partnerships and activities within schools to ensure student achievement and cultivate school-wide support for the Arts.

 Experience

Innovations High School of Arts Integration • Chicago, IL  08/15 thru present

♦Visual Arts Teacher

Responsibilities:  Develop, implement and instruct contemporary art curriculum, lesson plans and projects.  Differentiate instruction and scaffold learning to address wide variety of learners.  Maintain consistent communication between parents, students, faculty and administration.  Collaborate with faculty, administration and community to create a dynamic appreciation for the Arts.  Partner with local artists and institutions to offer workshops and programs for both students and staff to engage in the arts. 

Harlan Community Academy High School  • Chicago, IL  9/05 thru 6/15

♦Department Chair and Visual Arts Teacher, Fine Arts

Responsibilities: Advised and mentored Arts faculty and student body to address all needs within the department. Instructed Arts Fundamentals, Mixed-Media and Advanced Arts courses.  Identified and implemented innovative strategies, ideas and resources that ensured the growth of the program and supported student achievement. Assessed and evaluated student & faculty performance to ensure departmental and school-wide goals were consistently met.

♦Adviser, Yearbook Committee 2007-2012

Responsibilities: Planned and implemented the general organization and activities of the yearbook staff.  Supervised all copywriting, photography and design layouts.  Successfully multi-tasked an aggressive schedule to ensure accurate and complete coverage of all students and events throughout the year.

Education and Certification

♦ Certifications

National Board Certification – Issued November, 2014

IL Standard Type 09 – Art Education Certification (6-12) Issued July, 2013

♦ Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Double Major :  Art Education & Studio Arts

University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL December  2004   •  Dean’s List