Teaching Philosophy

“the more art you make, the more you you become.” - Gary Panter

Being an art teacher is about building inquisitive minds through art experiences. In art class, lessons are designed to show students a variety of different crafts through specific art experiences. For example, I teach students the vitality of observation through observational painting exercises, the value of persistence with animation exercises, the necessity for reflection through illustration assignments, the thrill of experimentation by introducing unfamiliar objects as materials, and the joy of creation when an artistic vision is produced. The paintings, sculptures, animations, drawings, and objects that are produced in class serve as souvenirs of the experience of creation, which is vital for our country’s culture, economy, and, most importantly, its soul. The driving through line of creation is an inquisitive mind, which is developed through the experience of making art.

When my art class is successful, it can be seen and felt within the school. In some cases, quite literally seen in the form of murals and exhibited student work. But success can also be felt in more subtle ways. Students are more focused, more observant, more inquisitive, more reflective, or more willing to take risks. They are also more comfortable with one another due to the collaborative nature of my art classes.

Critique and the ability to describe complex visible pieces are vital for students’ development. Critique is an important part of my class, as it is the most direct way to reflect in class. I strive to give students the means to produce art that describes what they see. It is important that my students make the art that they are enthusiastic about while simultaneously stretching and exploring.

Art is a powerful substance. It inspires, empowers, endorses, and educates. Art has started riots, but art also exemplifies and reveals our most precious moments. It heals, it forgives. It says hello and goodbye. It is attainable to everyone. It can, and does, change society, for better or for worse. Making art forces students to confront their values, shape their aesthetics and help them along as they and their place in society.

Teaching Experience

Monomoy Middle School, Chatham, MA Fall 2018 - Present; 6th grade Art Teacher, Seminar Instructor. Focus on Animation, Graphic Novels, 20th Century Art History

Dearborn Academy - Roxbury MA Winter 2018- Spring 2018 - Long term substitute Middle School Art Teacher

Jeremiah Burke High School, Roxbury MA Fall 2017- Student Teacher, grades 9-12, MAT program, Massachusetts College of Art & Design

Lesley University College of Art & Design (LUCAD), Cambridge MA. 2013-2017 - Adjunct Professor in Animation Department. Taught Seminar in Animation and freshmen seminar in Animation.

Art Institute of Boston, Boston Ma. 2012 - 2016 Instructor, Comics and the Graphic Novel, Animation, Taught studio course for summer session freshman

Clearence Edwards Middle School, Charlestown, MA 2009 - 2016 Graphic Novel & Animation Instructor, Extended Learning Time, Substitute Teacher, Teaching basics: storytelling, drawing, sequence, iconic language skills etc. www.edwardsmiddleschoolmanga.blogspot.com

Hartje Gallery, Brookline, MA 2007 - 2008 - Portfolio Preparation Teacher to high school seniors for college admissions. Organized lesson plans.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence RI 2007 Teaching Assistant, Painting II: Co-taught intermediate sophomore level painting class (oils, markmaking, composition, layering), provided weekly critiques of student work, met with students weekly to discuss progress in course and answered questions, assisted instructor with demonstrations.

Artworks Summer Program, Beverly MA 2003-2006 Art Director: Designed and taught summer studio art camp for 7 to 12 year olds. Publications Featured work