As the Spooner Middle School Art Teacher, through out the year I teach just about all off the kids enrolled in our 5-8 school. I try to keep my classes exciting and fullfilling for all of my students. That, of course, includes keeping up with technology. Although I was raised and educated as a pen to paper artist, I am having a great time learning all that can be artistically done with technology. From teaching a basic design class to 8th graders and writing an art history book ~ For 7th graders, by 7th graders, (just to name a couple of things) I spend as much time as I can in the computer lab at our school. I really want to start bringing that technology right to my classroom.
Position:
teacher
Needs:
My classroom is up for improvements this coming year...budget willing. Unfortunately, that budget is "strictly" for building remodeling and updating...not updating what you need to be the best of the best in technology. As I ask for a smart board or even a projector to show art history from the internet, I always hear...if you are lucky, sometime in the future that might happen. Until then, I keep fighting for lab time. LOL.
My Philosophy:
"Do what you can where you are with what you have". I would love to change my that mantra and philosophy in the near future. I would like to not only bring space, functional sinks and a 3-D area to my art room next fall, I want to bring the lastest in technology too! I hope my digital wish is granted and I can continue to bring change and diversity to my curriculum, my classroom and my kids! Thanks!
Personal Information:
College and Degrees:
University of North Dakota
BFA in Visual Arts
BS in Education
Favorite Quotes:
Right now I am very much into Mahatma Gandhi and his quotes..."Be the change you want to see in the world" and "In a gentle way you can shake the world". I am trying to help our 8th grade class "Be the Change" of Spooner Middle School - we have created quite a program.
Interests:
I have coached volleyball and/or basketball for 12 of my 15 years as a teacher. I have decided that I would like to start to pursue my creative interests. As an art teacher, I feel I have not been true to myself being a coach. As I retire as a coach, I am going to spend time, finally, pursuing my interests...home decorating, painting pictures, landscaping, scrapbooking, photography, computer graphics and design...Just to name a few "creative" interests. I also have interests in running, health and fitness.
Employment History:
Nathan Twining Middle School ~ Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota (5 years)
Unity Middle School ~ Balsam Lake, Wisconsin (2 years)
Spooner Middle School ~ Spooner, Wisconsin (8 + years and still going) This is where I will retire from...some day. I am staying put and giving back to the community that I grew up in.
Why Do I Teach?:
Middle School Art Grade 5, 6, 7, 8
Basic Design Grade 8