About Me
SUBJECTS
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
As an art instructor of children and adults for the past 17 years, I have learned that the attribute of patience is of utmost importance in connecting with a student and is crucial for opening the door to learning. Questions, no matter how basic, no matter how often repeated must be encouraged and met with praise.
A teacher must be able to understand the level of the student in order to perceive difficulties and accordingly, solutions must be communicated on the same level. A positive response from a teacher, for effort alone, is equal to a positive response from correct answers.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
I have a BFA in Communications and I am a certificated paralegal. I have also taken many college classes in adult education settings including: creative writing, computer classes, art classes, French, and religion.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I have been teaching painting and drawing classes for 17 years and have had students of all ages including children as young as 6 years old. I designed an academy style art program for young children in Thousand Oaks, California in 2008, and taught it for 2 years. I have a son who had a learning disability and I served as his tutor throughout his primary education. I have also volunteered in schools to bring art programs to children. As well, for years as a volunteer, I did readings for classes and groups of children in schools and bookstores to promote a love for literature.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I currently volunteer at the Dubuque Museum of Art, the Julien Dubuque Film Festival, and I am a member of the Dubuque Writers’ Guild. I play tennis and the piano. I am a published author of short stories and I am a former blogger.