Experience
UNT
In 2009, I graduated from UNT with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Visual Art Studies (art education). I also earned a Master of Arts in Art Education from UNT in 2021
Bridgeport ISD
I taught PK-2 art at Bridgeport Elementary from spring of 2009 through the 2014/2015 school year before transferring to the high school where I taught Art 1 and Pre-AP/AP Art amongst various other things over the years.
Through an art curriculum aimed at teaching students to self-direct their own learning, my students set goals for themselves and work toward those goals by practicing skills, researching, planning, and creating artworks that reflect their personal interests, ideas, and experiences. This process fosters a growth mindset in my students, addresses the needs of every student, and provides them with the skills necessary to be successful in their educational career as well as their lives beyond the classroom.
Ponder ISD
I'm so excited to be starting a new adventure teaching at Ponder ISD in the fall of 2021. I'll be their first full-time art teacher, and I'm thrilled to be able to develop their program and provide more opportunities for Ponder students to grow.
Professional Memberships
National Art Education Association - 2008 to Current
Texas Art Education Association - 2007 to Current
Presentations/Workshops
I share what I've learned any chance I get. I present at TIAcon in Denton every summer, along with TAEA most years, and I have been honored to be selected to present at the National Art Education Association convention a few times as well. Links to presentations can be found below.
NAEA
(March)
2021-Gaming Around: Tabletop Game Design
2019-Designing Art Toys
2018-The Business of Art
2016-Expressions in Green
UNT
TABLab 2022 - Choice with a Learning Management System
TAEA
(November)
2022-Plug and Play Choice-Focused
2021-Plug and Play Choice-Focused Curriculum PlugandPlayChoice.com
2021-Embracing Constraints for Choice
2017-The Business of Art
2017-Laser Cutting in the Classroom
2015-Expressions in Green
2015-Let’s Talk About Choice: Round Table Discussion
2014-From Enduring to Thriving Through a District Art Show
2014-Tech-Infused Student-Directed Classroom
2014-The Student-Directed Experience
2011-What’s So Hard About Letting Them Do What They Want?
2011-I Can Make Whatever I Want?: Investigating Choice-Based Art Education
2011-Marionette Mania
TIAcon
(July/since 2012)
2019-Designing Art Toys
2017-Laser Cutters in the Classroom
2016-Please Touch the Display
2015-Expressions in Green
2014-Tech-Infused Student-Directed Classroom
All Systems Go Conference
2023 - Student Paced Curriculum for Choice
Canvas Users Group Meeting
2022-Canvas for Student-Paced Curriculum
District/County
Wise County EdCamp (August/held 2014-2017)
2017-Practical Strategies for Student-Directed Learning
2016-Please Touch the Display
2015-Engage in Meaningful Learning Through Choice
2014-Thoughtful Engagement Through Choice: A Student-Directed Classroom in Action
BISD Full Day Training
(summer/offered 2012-2015)
2015-Expressions in Green
2015-Facing Your Technophobia
2013-Tech Prep
2012-21st Century Teaching: Learning Without Limits
District/County
District Summer PD
2023-Canvas for Beginners (1 day)
2023-Advanced Canvas (1 day)
Sharing my experience and resources to benefit students and teachers is important to me, and I'd love to be a part of your event or workshop!
Publications
Trends (2011)
International Journal of Education Through Art (2022)
My review of Purtee and Sands' second book on teaching secondary students using Choice-Based Art Education (CBAE) was published in the International Journal of Education Through Art.
Highlights
Bridgeport ISD District-Wide Art Show
In 2010, my colleagues and I got together to found the annual Bridgeport District-wide Art Show. It has been a success ever since. We pack the space with over 1,500 artworks, art activities, and various musical guests.
Co-Founders: Shaye Watson, Sherri Jones, Brooke Brei
Instructables: Teacher Spotlight
I was honored to be chosen for a spotlight article on Instructables in September of 2019. Read the entire article with the link below.
National Portfolio Day
Each year, I take my advanced students to National Portfolio Day where they get to speak to art school recruiters and get feedback on their work. On our way home, we stop by UNT to check out the campus and the art building.
For more info on NPD, check out this video or click the link above.
