Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is your philosophy on teaching?
- I believe that there is a growing need in this world for lateral and divergent thinking. It seems the paradigm is shifting between an art teacher simply being the person in the room who has experience to share with the kids to being the person in the room who can give students the tools they need to one day become their own teacher. I am a firm believer in choice-based learning, service learning and goal oriented art with a strong focus on exploration of both craft and concept.
Generally speaking, I am always encouraging students to find new ways to explore humanity through the lens of an artist and discourage binary thinking during the creative process.
- What are your career goals?
- I am proud to say that I have spent my entire life in the world of education and will continue to do so for as long as I am able to. Most of my enjoyment comes from helping others and I channel that into everything I do, including my career. It feels strange saying it but I am exactly where I've always hoped to be. I intend to get my Master's in education a few years from now but otherwise things are looking excellent.
- What is your history outside of teaching?
- I have been steadily employed since I was 14. My jobs have ranged from cashier to security guard while I moved from town to town. I eventually found my niche working at a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. I have been assisting vulnerable adults with their daily routines on a semi full-time and seasonal basis for 7 years now and it is something I am very passionate about. I have taught them crucial life skills and I can honestly say that I feel addicted to it.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
I believe in staying busy. My partner and I have 7 rescue pets that I spend a lot of time with. I read a lot of comic books and have written several. I have several years experience in film studies and film criticism and I try to go out to a movie at least once a week. I don't watch much tv aside from a few shows that I watch religiously. I also enjoy playing video games, cooking, watching 80's pro-wrestling videos and I'm even building an arcade machine in my basement.
- What sort of art do you make?
- Most critics would describe it as pop-surrealism. I have a Bachelor's of Fine Art in 2-Dimensional Studio Art in general but watercolor painting is my wheelhouse. I try to make sure I work on a bit of everything though... I've made several animations, websites, video games, installations, books, short films and statues in my day. You could say I do it all.
My son/daughter never seems to bring home any of the projects they build, is it because they aren't doing anything in class or are they simply leaving things in the classroom?
- Probably the latter... the accountability portion of my classes are usually online oriented (Google Classroom and/or digital portfolios). As the year wears on, I intend to give parents and guardians access to these online portfolios so they can see what was being made but not shown.
- My son/daughter claims that you don't have assignments in your class... that can't possibly be true is it?
- If that claim sounds made up, that's because it is. I do offer students the option to improvise on many aspects of an assignment and many students take me up on the offer. Like any other classroom, there is indeed a set curriculum that is being followed and it aligns with state standards (all of which are included on this website in the lessons tab). I've had mixed results with this approach last year and ultimately created a system where students need to propose their alternative avenue for demonstrating their grasp on the concept or task being asked of them on paper. These proposals allow for planning, writing, scheduling and accountability. Unfortunately, the proposals started to pile up fast.
- Going forward, I am moving towards paperless paperwork via Google Forms to allow for on-demand access of any and all alternative projects students may be working on. If you are ever concerned about whether or not your son or daughter is pulling a fast one on me please don't hesitate to ask me about it. I prefer to have an open line of communication with as many parents as possible and even offer extra credit to any student who has a parent contact me.
- Is it true that you offer extra credit to any student who has a parent send an email to you or show up to conferences?
Absolutely! I love hearing from parents and keeping them as involved as possible.