I have been an elementary school teacher, story teller, puppeteer, children's book author/illustrator, and most recently a working artist. But I started with a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Fine Arts. While teaching I developed a unique classroom style which featured positive reinforcement, real life activities when exploring all academic subjects, the use of themed units, individualized learning activities, and the use of creative drama, art and puppets in the classroom.
Being a sensitive and empathetic person myself, I quickly pick up on each child's learning style and interests. This information guides my approach to teaching each student. The student may be a visual, tactile, verbal, logical or other type of learner. My lesson plans will reflect your child's learning style as well as his or her personal interests. Everyone learns more quickly and finds more meaning when the lessons directly relate to their own world. I consider it my job to see that each student learns a given lesson. I will teach that lesson as many times and in as many ways as is necessary for them to understand. This is an area where my innate creativity is very helpful.
Having been self employed for many years, I also am longing to give back to the community by sharing my experience and knowledge with the younger generation. Teaching comes so naturally to me that I volunteered in the Head Start program when I was in high school. The last five years have found me teaching impromptu art and craft classes in my kitchen with the neighborhood kids. Tutoring in art and language arts would satisfy many of my passions: connecting with people, teaching, making art and writing.
My artwork tells a story-mostly for children but also for anyone with a heart. My past work includes designing and creating many storybook attractions for the public. I enjoyed all of it: managing my team, teaching employees, sculpting, painting, writing stories, and finally costume design and construction. My design studio also created photo realistic figures, and sets for museums enjoying permanent installations here and abroad as well as a 2 year stint at the Smithsonian.
For the past 12 years, I have been designing, creating, marketing and selling my own unique custom made, realistic soft-sculpted animals to collectors around the world. These characters have become a well known "brand" and each comes with his or her own story. In both artistic professions, I received many awards and was featured in over 30 newspapers, magazines, and books.
If you have a special child who longs to explore life, art, and language arts with a creative, experienced and enthusiastic teacher, consider hiring me. I can promise to tune in to your unique child and offer a range of fun options as he or she begins a new path to learning.
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