Objective

To develop world-class learners and responsible citizens through creative experiences.

Profile             

• Dedicated educator with the competence and experience to integrate research based strategies as well as coordinate and map curriculum.
• Life long learner with interest in expanding knowledge in many areas of study, both professional and personally.
• Active artist trained in a variety of media including drawing, painting, and printmaking.
• Multi-faceted teacher with technology skills including web design, digital camera, and various software applications including Photoshop and PowerPoint.
• Flexible instructor proficient in designing and implementing multicultural lessons and adapting to engage multiple learning styles.
• Enthusiastic professional with skill in organizing and coordinating schedules and activities.

Education

2004-2006              Viterbo University              LaCrosse, WI

MA, education

• Thesis: The Effects of Art on Social Consciousness

1997-2001              University of Northern Iowa              Cedar Falls, IA

B.A., art education (K-12)

• Emphasis: Painting

Career History

Cedar Rapids Community School District, 2007-pres.

Elementary Art: Arthur Elementary and Grant Early Childhood Center

• Taught in conjunction with sign language interpreters.
• Attended and held monthly art education meetings.
• Exhbited student work annually in a museum setting.
• Planned and organized field trips to Coe College galleries and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
• Implemented and maintained students electronic portfolios.
• Participated in Action Research Teams and a Professional Learning Community (PLC).

Ankeny Community School District, 2003-2007

Elementary Art: Northwest, East, and Terrace Elementary

• Designed lessons to engage multiple learning styles.
• Implemented curriculum to meet district benchmarks and frameworks.
• Planned and organized annual field trips to Des Moines Art Center.
• Aided in the organization and planning of K-12 art shows.
• Implemented and maintained student’s electronic portfolios.
• Participated in the Professional Development Research Team.

Burlington Community Schools, 2001-2003           

2002-2003 Middle School Art: Horace Mann Middle School

• Utilized a variety of mediums in each grade level.
• Created an art club that painted a mural, participated in contests, produced art for a community installation, and worked with other clubs.

2001-2002 Elementary School Art: Corse, Central Avenue, North Hill, Sunnyside, Black Hawk, Prospect Hill, and Perkins Elementary

• Prepared equitable learning opportunities under various teaching situations.                        

• Founded and organized art shows at the Westland Mall.                          
• Assisted teachers in the application of new art curriculum.
• Exhibited student artwork in hallways, classrooms, display cases, etc. throughout seven schools. 
• Established meetings with district art teacher in order to commit to vertical alignment within the art department.  

Pleasant Valley Community Schools, Spring 2001                                                 Substitute teaching         

• Followed lessons and objectives of absent teachers in a variety of classroom settings and all grade levels.
  

Davenport Community Schools                

Middle School Art: Student teaching, Wood Intermediate, 2001       

• Prepared educational objectives and lesson plans for two-dimensional, craft, and foundation classes with cross-curricular emphasis.                                         
• Organized student exhibits at North Park Mall in Davenport.   
• Provided new multimedia options for student artwork.
• Attended faculty meetings.         

Elementary School Art: Student teaching, Jefferson Edison Elementary, 2001                        

• Prepared cross-curricular and multicultural lessons, many focused around Black History Month.  
• Organized student exhibits at Davenport Museum of Art. 
• Involved in interdisciplinary team meetings.   
• Created original informative and display bulletin boards.

Related work experience

VSA post-secondary teacher, summer 2006-2007

• Taught summer courses through Iowa Area Education Agencies in cooperation with VSA Arts.
• Developed curriculum for graduate level coursework.
• Presented information to teachers strategies for special needs students and connections between the arts and other disciplines.
• Assessed final student work and communicated grades for collegiate institutions credit.

Cooperating teacher for Coe College, University of Iowa, and Luther College Student Teacher Programs, 2007, 2008, 2009

• Worked with student teacher to help plan and execute lessons.
• Aided student teacher in developing management skills, coordinating lessons, fulfilling professional responsibilities.
• Evaluated student teacher based on performance and completion of required materials.

Interim Director of the Ankeny Art Center, 2003

• Taught art classes in a variety of mediums to a spectrum of different ages.
• Organized class and teacher schedules, art exhibitions, and receptions.

Caring Connection Child Development Center, 2001

• Prepared lessons and activities for children ages 5-13
• Cultivated a stimulating and educational environment stylized after the Reggio Emilio Approach

Professional affiliations

NAEA, AEI. National Art Education Association, Art Educators of Iowa

• Attended 4 national conventions, Minneapolis, NYC, LA, and Boston
• Presented and participated in 2006 and 2007 state conventions
• Presentation: Earth Connections -- An opportunity to focus on ways to infuse and enrich academic classes with lessons that connect the arts to natural elements and the environment
• Presentation: Art and Social Consciousness --Projects and research that aid in broadening global perspectives, advocating awareness and community relations, and increasing the social consciousness of students

NEA, ISEA, CREA, National Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, Cedar Rapids Education Association

• Attended meetings, held elections, represented staff, and demonstrated leadership as building representative, 2004-2007

Interests

I enjoy the pursuit of knowledge and growing both personally and professionally. My interests include cultural awareness, social consciousness, artistic expression, and pursuits of educational merit.  I make time for my artistic endeavors and enjoy seeing and learning about new media and methods.  I seize opportunities to go outdoors and to travel and try to incorporate as much art, art and cultural history, and new encounters as I can into each adventure.  I enjoy challenging myself, taking on leadership roles, and continuing to expand my experiences within the education profession.