Art Education
I have been sharing my knowledge and passion for Art with students, young and old, for over ten years. My current focus is students in grades 6-12.
With my expertise in Animation and Illustration I can deliver strong fundamental drawing, painting, and design instruction while pushing into my passion for storytelling - placing the work into the practical context of graphic novels, film, book illustration or video game projects.
In my years working for schools as a classroom teacher and after-school director I constantly seek interdisciplinary collaboration and personal/community relevance. Links between visual arts, historical and current events, personal narratives, and STEM subjects are integrated into my curriculum.
Student Work
Scroll through the slideshow below.
Below are examples of some video feedback I gave to students from SOUL Charter School after our classes moved to distance learning in Spring of 2020. This is one way that I've been able to compensate for the inability to work one-on-one and in person with students.
Skills :
Expertise in drawing, painting, and design
Training and experience in storyboarding, animation, photography and video editing
CSET certifications - Art and English
Proficient in Photoshop and Adobe Creative Suite
Background and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
Teaching and Leadership Experience :
Art Teacher - Hardy Elementary School (Long-Term substitute)
October 2022 - January 2023
Prepared and taught art lessons for K - 5 classes.
Art Teacher - Art 1 - Carlsbad High School
September 2021 - June 2022
Teacher of three sections of Art 1.
Art Teacher - Art 1 and Digital Photo - Carlsbad High School and Sage Creek High School - (Long-Term substitute) November 2020 - June 2021
For the Covid effected 2020 - 2021 School year, I was a long-term sub in the Carlsbad Unified school district, first for Art 1 at Carlsbad high school from November to March and then moved to Sage Creek High School to teach two digital photo classes for April and June.
Art Teacher/Integra Teacher- SOUL Charter School (Middle and High) September 2019 - June 2020
Teacher of all art classes and co-taught 11th grade Integra course, a class that is part of the holistic education focus of the school and deals with emotional intelligence, life skills and developing plans for personal growth.
Developed quarter-length Art projects for Art classes with students ranging from 7th to 11th grade. Collaborated on multi-discipline projects showcased at a school wide Exhibition Night.
Transitioned to distance learning in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and taught classes through video conference and Google classroom. Prepared video lessons and individualized video feedback on student projects.
Student Teacher - Clairemont High School September 2018 - June 2019
Lead teacher of the Drawing and Painting class for two semesters. Developed and taught original curriculum aligned to contemporary fine art and illustration practices, incorporating autobiographical and imaginative projects to teach the fundamentals of observational drawing, perspective, construction, composition, and color theory.
Developed curriculum and guided the independent study of a small group of advanced students in creating graphic novel pages and concept art for an entertainment industry portfolio.
Member of leadership team that designed and organized 150 ft long student community mural project on the Clairemont High School gym.
Organized and supervised the painting of set design for student theatrical production of ‘The Wizard Of Oz’
After School Education and Safety (ASES) Director - Borrego Springs Unified School District. 2014-2016
Supervised the after-school program funded by the state After School Education and Safety grant program. Collaborated with team members, school administration, teachers, parents and community partners to establish educational and enrichment programs for the elementary and middle school. Created enrichment schedule for student activities, hired and supervised staff, oversaw program budget, managed discipline issues.
ASES Site Leader - Borrego Springs Elementary School 2013-2014
Supervised the after-school program at Borrego Springs Elementary, attended by 100+ students daily, K-5. Managed staff of eight, plus volunteers and community partners.
Various Art and Drawing Workshops - Borrego Art Institute 2008 - 2016
Originated and taught an ongoing series of community art workshops and classes, focused on beginning drawing and creative exploration.
Additional Relevant Experience:
Landscape Solo Show - House of Borrego Springs. Borrego Springs, California. 2010
A series of original paintings exploring the distinctive landscape of the Anza-Borrego Desert.
Associate Producer, Animator, Storyboard Artist on animated feature film - Bye Bye Bin Laden 2009
Member of the production team of the feature-length, independent, animated, musical satire. Assisted in developing the project from script adaptation to storyboards to animated sequences to packaging and promotional artwork.
Education:
Single Subject Credential - Visual Arts - San Diego State University - Linked Learning Cohort 2018 - 2019
BFA - Animation and Illustration - San Jose State University 2002 - 2008
Additional Education:
Illustration Master Class Summer 2018, Summer 2019
Participated in seven day illustration workshop led by ten of the top illustrators in the field of fantasy, sci-fi and gaming art.
Smarter Art School - Online Mentorship Spring 2018
50 hours of online mentorship with acclaimed illustrator and author Greg Ruth