I am a Teacher

from the American Northwest. I have taught on two Indian reservations, in inner city schools, and overseas. I have worked outside of the United States for fourteen years. I am presently teaching at the International School of Azerbaijan: MYP and DP Visual Arts.

I have a strong interest in cultural history, in architecture, and in mythology. My training has been in traditional techniques: printmaking, ceramics, drawing, painting, and mixed media, though I have stretched my expertise to include many different kinds of techniques in the years I've been in an art studio with students. I have a strong grounding in art theory and history. Students in my MYP and DP classes earn high scores and I am experienced in both the moderation process and with resourcing the kinds of development necessary for IB Diploma students to reach their full potential in Visual Arts.

My house, located on the Czech border with Austria, gives me a place to go summers to paint. I do cultural work there with a museum just over the border that has recently won awards from the Czech and Austrian governments for cross border cultural programs. I have collaborated on several projects with this organization, presenting papers during the Museum's summer programs and writing for their website:www.museumhumanum.com. I am listed on the museum's board of consultants.

While living in Prague, I did refugee work for several years; working with NGOs from the Helsinki Committee and the UN. Over the past three years I have been active with students from my Homeroom class, supporting a women's refugee center, and other charitable organizations.

As an art teacher, I believe in acknowledging primary experience within students. I think that imagination and intuition must be honored as much as cultural conditioning and language driven concepts, following the ancient command, “Know Thyself.”

I believe I have much to contribute to an art program with high academic standards, in a school that values creativity.