TEACHING
PHILOSOPHY
Art education is much more than teaching the aesthetic qualities and techniques for art-making. Successful art education creates conditions where students can re-envision their lived experiences
while creating artwork that encourages individual empowerment.
GOAL
As an art educator, I will work with students to create an environment that fosters individual achievement, embraces cultural differences, and encourages critical thinking. As an artist, I will use my skills to create a meaningful art curriculum that will empower students and enhance the existing school culture.
LARKIN HIGH SCHOOL
(FINE/DIGITAL ARTS TEACHER)
August 2021Â - Present
Designed and implemented Digital and Fine Arts lesson plans for over 100 students in grades 9th- 12th from 6 different courses (Digital Arts 1, Digital Arts 2, Graphic Design 1, Graphic Design 2, Photo and Design Intro, 3D Arts Intro.
Facilitated art interpretation activities that integrated Standards Based Grading and Assessment and promoted analytical and problem-solving skills.
Adapted lessons to incorporate technology and cultivate a natural environment for students to learn, discuss and create using Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Chromebooks, Google applications, web platforms, and mobile apps.
Managed annual art supply budgets and orders for the Digital Arts Department.
Displayed and Managed students’ artwork for district and county competitions.
Facilitated a monthly rotating gallery space consisting of 2D, 3D, And Digital Works
Organized and Facilitated a 4-day open studio after-school club program.
ELGIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT U-46
(21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS ENRICHMENT/ INTERVENTION PROGRAM TEACHER)
October 2022 - Present
To collaborate with the middle/high school principal, building staff, grant managers, community partners, and parents to implement enrichment programs in a four-day after-school program for students.
Assists principal and site coordinator in targeting, recruiting, and retaining participants for the programming.
Maintains accurate student attendance records on a daily and weekly basis for 50+ Students
Communicates programming to families per school policies
Creates an environment conducive to learning and motivates students through effective communication and evaluative feedback
Implements school improvement plans and policies
Plans mini lessons and programming for enrichment activity and plans mini lessons and programming for interventions using summative and formative assessments and communicates progress to students and families
Regularly communicates with students’ teachers, site coordinator, and principal about programming.
Assists administration in monitoring student behavior and implementing student discipline policies
Taught 6 -10 hours of Digital Arts and Graphic Design weekly.
INFINITY MATH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL
(FINE ARTS TEACHER)
-DEPARTMENT CHAIR
-ART LIAISON
-LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL MEMBER
-INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
TEAM MEMBER
August 2014 - June 2021
Designed and implemented MultiMedia Art and Film and Animation lesson plans for over 150 students in grades 9th- 12th.
Facilitated art interpretation activities which integrated the Common Core Literacy Standards and promoted analytical and problem-solving skills.
Adapted lessons to incorporate technology and cultivate a natural environment for students to learn about, discuss and create using their chrome books, Google applications, other websites, and apps.
Managed annual art supply budgets and orders.
Displayed students’ artworks and facilitated two art shows each year.
Raised money for new art supplies through Creative Art Grants, Donors Choose, and year-round fundraisers.
Facilitated the design process and implementation of the student-made school mural with the assistance of After School Matters and The Home Depot during our Infinity Summer Program.
Assisted in the publishing of the Infinity yearbook and Co-sponsored the Yearbook Club.
Started the school’s first art club that eventually branched out to a weekly five-day after-school club program. (Arts Club, Graphic Design Club, Phoenix Film Club, Video Game Club, and Movie Club).
Developed a summer art program for Freshman Connection where incoming students can brush up on their study skills, learn techniques for preparing for high school, and provide an environment for them to know their new classmates through field trips and other activities.
Carried out the roles and responsibilities as head of the Art Department and encouraged fellow art department teachers to value their voices and opinion by working together to fulfill our ultimate goal.
Coordinated, edited, and published the 2020 Infinity Graduation and Chaired the Graduation Student Committee.
ENLACE CHICAGO
(ART INSTRUCTOR)
October 2018 - May 2021
Sponsored Enlace Chicago Graphic Design Clubs with 35 members, provided students with open studio space and guidance on personal projects and assisted with college portfolios for 5 students per year.
Crafted unit plans I centered around investigative learning.
Incorporate technology into everyday lessons using Lightroom, Photoshop, Indesign, online resources, and cell phone applications.
Designed and implemented photography, drawing, painting, sculpting, 3D Design, and Screen printing curricula for grades 9-12.
Taught 8 -12 hours of Graphic Design weekly.
CHICAGO MADE SHIRTS
(SOLE OWNER/PROPRIETOR)
June 2013 - August 2018
Brought together local artists to design screen prints on shirts, canvas, posters paper, and any clothing material.
Designed company website, flyers, business cards, and video advertisement.
Taught private screen printing and heat pressing, 2D Graphic Design, and basic e-commerce store setup using RedBubble classes.
INFINITY MATH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL
(STUDENT TEACHER)
January 2013 - April 2013
Designed and implemented curricula for AP 2-D Art and Design, Film and Animation, and Web Design courses that encompass explorative learning, critical thinking, and analysis of past and present art practices.
Taught units consisting of Photography, Web Design, Cinematography, 2D Animation, Digital Drawing, Mixed Media, found objects, drawing, concepts such as Surrealism, Color Theory, Perspective, and Space.
Accommodated learning experiences for students with Individualized Education Programs. (IEP).
Developed assessments guidelines to promote student’s willingness to explore new ideas while utilizing Common Core Literacy Standards.
SPIRAL WORKSHOP FACULTY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGOÂ
(ART INSTRUCTOR)
January 2012Â - June 2012
Co-taught a class of twenty-four high school students with varying levels of knowledge and skills in the arts through our theme exploration of the Periphery: Painting & Pastels.
Created informational marketing material for events and our final art show.
Designed and implemented an innovative arts-based curriculum utilizing mixed media, painting, ephemeral works, and drawing.
Crafted unit plans centered around investigative learning.
Developed artists presentations that engaged students and provided substance for group discussions.
Collaborated in the design and installation of a gallery that showcased the student’s final artworks to family and surrounding communities.
NEIGHBORHOOD RECOVERY INITIATIVE AT INSTITUTO DEL PROGRESO LATINO
(YOUTH MENTOR)
June 2012- August 2012
Encourage youth living in high-risk environments to get involved in activities alternative to violence and other destructive behaviors by engaging them in peer-level outreach in their community.
Assisted staff members of various disciplines in creating and conducting activities for students ages 13-19.
Participated in college panel discussion advising on helpful tips for teen mentors and their parents as first generation college students.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CHICAGO
(INSTRUCTOR ASSISTANT)
June 2004-August 2008
Led a large group of campers on a week-long exploration of The Field Museum,
The Shedd Aquarium, The Adler Planetarium, and various Field trips.
Provide a fun environment for the campers in the program by facilitating arts and crafts activities, theatrical plays, and dance classes.
Ensured a safe arrival/departure for campers, a respectful environment, and completed necessary administrative tasks.
ACADEMICS / EDUCATION
August 2008Â - May 2013
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO
Bachelors of Fine Arts - Major: Art Education- Type 9, Certification
​
This program prepares undergraduates to teach, create and inspire art, art education and research. Their focus is on high school classrooms, especially those in Chicago, where students address issues of quality and access to art education, both theoretically and in real life.
September 2014 - June 2016
FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY
High School Diploma - Career Focus: Culinary Arts - Servsafe Sanitation Certificate
​
Empowered students to become life-long productive thinkers and responsible citizens through challenging curricula emphasizing community and global awareness.
MY SKILLS
LANGUAGES:
English & Spanish
FINE ARTS
Painting
Screen Printing
Sculpture
Photography
Printmaking
NEW MEDIA ARTS
Photography   Â
Computer
Animation      Â
Digital Art   Â
Sound Art   Â
Internet Art   Â
3D printing
OFFICE SUITE
Google Workspace/ Suite
Microsoft Office
iWork
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
Photoshop
Premiere Pro
Lightroom
Illustrator
InDesign
MY VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND
August 2021 - June 2022
LARKIN HIGH SCHOOL
ELGIN, IL
9TH-12TH GRADERS
Hosted a the following
Open Studio After-School program focused on
Digital Art 1
Digital Art 2
Graphic Design 1
Graphic Design 2
Commercial Arts 1
Commercial Arts 2
Photo and Design Intro
September 2015 -June 2017
ENLACE CHICAGO
CHICAGO, IL
9TH – 12TH GRADERS
Hosted the following clubs
Graphic Design Club​​
Phoenix Film Club
October 2014 - June 2017
INFINITY MATH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL
CHICAGO, IL
9TH – 12TH GRADERS
Hosted the following clubs
Arts Club
Painting
Drawing
Sculpting
Photography
Printmaking
Crafts
Video Game Club
Movie Club
"If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done"