Creative ID: 133
Bay of Plenty region.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I am a part-time Visual Art Teacher at an intermediate school. I also work with teachers and younger students in the local area running art classes and workshops. I have been an art specialist for the past 10 or so years, teaching Visual Art in international schools in Singapore. I am a trained, New Zealand Primary school teacher and am extremely passionate about developing creativity and confidence in schools. I am happy to run staff workshops, develop community projects and teach classes. Painting is my passion however I have experience with most media.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
I have taught Visual Art in Primary schools for the past 13 years from Year 1 students through to Year 8 students. During this time, I have run staff meetings, been a team leader and have managed the 'arts' budget in two different schools. I have also initiated and run art classes for children in the community and have worked in my children's school, teaching classes Visual Art skills. I have a passion for helping children develop their own creativity, style and passion for visual expression. I believe inquiry into media and technique is important and an exposure to the many art styles worldwide is essential to growth in this curriculum area. I would love to partner with schools, planning ways in which creativity can be enhanced in their school through the Visual Arts.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I am a New Zealand trained and qualified Primary School teacher, specialising in the Visual Arts. I hold a Bachelors degree in education and a teaching Diploma. I was a classroom teacher in a central Auckland school for seven years before moving to Singapore to teach in an International IB school. Here I quickly moved into the role of Art specialist and loved leading a team and learning so much about the art of the many different cultures represented at the school. My family and I have been home in New Zealand for a year and a half. I teach at an Intermediate school in a 0.5 position. The students I teach are encouraged to explore their own creativity, to solve problems and become risk takers. I like to create a safe, motivating environment where students can express their individuality and culture. I encourage students to develop a growth mindset in the art room. For many expressing yourself visually is not easy. The success and pride I have seen in the classroom has made me believe kids need more time to express themselves and develop their skills. I love that I can be involved in this.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
Creativity is something all learners need to develop. Teachers are so busy in their day-to-day teaching day. I believe many do not have the time to think of new ways to bring creativity into their programme, to get resources sourced, to contact community members or to connect with visual learning. If someone can come in who can focus primarily on creativity in the visual art, who is ready and willing to work with teachers, lead classes and support passionate staff I think it would benefit both the creative, students and the teachers. As a creative myself I have learnt so much about the Visual Arts through sharing my love for it with students. I can help plan and execute a colloborative mural or art display around a school. Can also work and teach with year 3 to 8 students.