The prospect of new crayons...
Biography
As a child I loved the prospect of new crayons. As I cracked open the box and absorbed the crisp, new wax smells I knew that a world of potential awaited me. This is how I view teaching art. Teaching can be compared to my new box of crayons; at my disposal are a variety resources and strategies to choose from. Each working together can assist in making a beautiful, balanced picture full of color and wonder, a picture that can inspire and cultivate more
learning.
I guess you could say I am a product of my environment. As the son of two educators who spent over 30 years of their life teaching, you might say I was easily positioned to follow in their footsteps. This path however was only
taken after my own self-directed pursuits.
After receiving my BFA in illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design, I worked professionally for 10 years as a graphic artist and illustrator. Later I discovered my true passion as a teacher.
In 2008 I was accepted into the Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP). This program presented me with an opportunity to enter the classroom and simultaneously study for my teacher’s certificate. I started my professional career as an elementary art teacher for grades 3-5 in Burke County, Georgia. Each week I served 900 children, it was a busy yet
fulfilling day. I was further validated in 2011 when I was selected as my school’s teacher of the year. Later I went on to be selected as the 2012 Burke County teacher of the year.
In fall 2012 I accepted a job opportunity to become the High School art teacher in Burke County. I am reinvigorated and inspired by my new platform. Daily I am given the opportunity to work with young minds and perhaps for just a
moment, give meaning or shed insight.
What is it I believe is so vital and important about teaching, particularly arts education teaching? It is the very opportunity to truly make a difference and inspire. Through my art education teaching program, I have been allowed the special privilege to develop minds, give meaning and present the world.
National teacher of the year, Ron Clark wrote, "To me, life is all about experiences, the ones you make for yourself and the ones you make for others." It is my hope that as a teacher in this profession, my standard of success can be measured by the rich, experiences I present to my students. I will offer my full arsenal of coloring crayons for them to go explore the world,
instructing them to feel free to wander outside the lines. Wandering free with a crayon, just as my first teachers, my parents, allowed for me.
As a child I loved the prospect of new crayons. As I cracked open the box and absorbed the crisp, new wax smells I knew that a world of potential awaited me. This is how I view teaching art. Teaching can be compared to my new box of crayons; at my disposal are a variety resources and strategies to choose from. Each working together can assist in making a beautiful, balanced picture full of color and wonder, a picture that can inspire and cultivate more
learning.
I guess you could say I am a product of my environment. As the son of two educators who spent over 30 years of their life teaching, you might say I was easily positioned to follow in their footsteps. This path however was only
taken after my own self-directed pursuits.
After receiving my BFA in illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design, I worked professionally for 10 years as a graphic artist and illustrator. Later I discovered my true passion as a teacher.
In 2008 I was accepted into the Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP). This program presented me with an opportunity to enter the classroom and simultaneously study for my teacher’s certificate. I started my professional career as an elementary art teacher for grades 3-5 in Burke County, Georgia. Each week I served 900 children, it was a busy yet
fulfilling day. I was further validated in 2011 when I was selected as my school’s teacher of the year. Later I went on to be selected as the 2012 Burke County teacher of the year.
In fall 2012 I accepted a job opportunity to become the High School art teacher in Burke County. I am reinvigorated and inspired by my new platform. Daily I am given the opportunity to work with young minds and perhaps for just a
moment, give meaning or shed insight.
What is it I believe is so vital and important about teaching, particularly arts education teaching? It is the very opportunity to truly make a difference and inspire. Through my art education teaching program, I have been allowed the special privilege to develop minds, give meaning and present the world.
National teacher of the year, Ron Clark wrote, "To me, life is all about experiences, the ones you make for yourself and the ones you make for others." It is my hope that as a teacher in this profession, my standard of success can be measured by the rich, experiences I present to my students. I will offer my full arsenal of coloring crayons for them to go explore the world,
instructing them to feel free to wander outside the lines. Wandering free with a crayon, just as my first teachers, my parents, allowed for me.