education philosophy
I was raised to believe in education: in the power and the freedom accessed through following your curiosity.
As a child I attended Waldorf schools, where I was encouraged to deepen my natural curiosity and creativity. I believe that learning is a fundamental part of existing, a lifelong pursuit towards growth and change. I have been lucky to be inspired by excellent teachers throughout my life as a student, teachers who encouraged my curiosity and taught me the power of excellent teaching, who inspired me to want to be an educator.
My teaching practice is a highly reflective one, allowing me to grow as a practitioner in both content and pedagogy. Inspired by my lifelong yoga practice, I work to treat each person I interact with with deep respect, and understand them as a complex, multifaceted human being, no matter their age. I believe in meeting each student with high standards, so that learners can rise to meet them, in inspiring individual curiosity and serving as a guide rather than a figure of authority.
classroom educator
When I began my career in the elementary classroom, I brought this passion of curiosity and creativity with me, and the knowledge that the power I held as an educator was to be treated with utmost responsibility. As a first grade teacher I learned the central importance of building relationships. My scholars were capable of incredible amounts of growth, and my ability to know them and respect them as individual people was in direct relation to how well they were able to do in my classroom. I have carried this responsibility with me throughout my career as both an elementary educator, and as I have stepped into position where I am working with adults.
I believe in the power of an invested community, and as a K-5 art teacher I worked to build community support for the arts program at my school. Community leadership and engagement allows those you teach to believe in your authentic purpose, to trust you more deeply as you are known in their communities.
museum education
I worked with Hudson Valley MOCA to create a docent manual for their high school arts education program. This resource was developed, illustrated, and then utilized with the high school students to research museum pieces, culminating in a gallery show curated and led by the students. I worked as a visiting artist with the students throughout the school year, assisting with their research, art-making, and writing. Finally, we took our learning into the museum space, working with them to develop their ability to engage with modern art, and share their knowledge with the public, engaging other learners in creating meaning and discovering interest in the arts.
beyond the classroom
Sketch Club
From 2022-2023 I ran a monthly sketch club in Concord, NC. This was free and open to the public, and included artists of all ages. Each meet-up centered around a local business or location, encouraging community building and creativity accessible to all. We were featured in the Independent Tribune, and hosted a gallery show for the culminating work.
Rituals, workshops, trainings, yoga
I lead monthly rituals at the New moons. I have led art workshops with adults, and worked in adult training.
I also have lead yoga classes, a practice that has been in my life since I was very young.
Childcare
I have extensive experience caring for children from age 2 and up.