Classroom Teacher
Art

Role
As the ATS art teacher, I teach art by integrating the APS Art Education program of studies and National Art Education Standards with multidisciplinary connections. Our goal at ATS is to provide all students with opportunities to perform a variety of rich and high quality visual art activities, while deepening their understanding of their world around them. The students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of art media, learn about artists, art movements, art history and technology integration while gaining knowledge of the traditional strategies for success. I provide the students with a safe, relaxed, fun, caring learning environment , where the students’ ideas are valued and respected and their emerging individuality is celebrated. I also encourage the students to engage in creative problem solving and take creative risks.

Professional Background
I’ve been a PreK-5 grade art teacher at Arlington Traditional School since 2001.  I hold a Bachelors of Secondary Art Education from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico as well as a Master of Arts in Multicultural/Bilingual Education from George Mason University.  I also have a Master’s Degree Equivalent in Studio Art from VCU.

In 2015, I was recognized as the Victoria D. de Sanchez Northern Hispanic Teacher of the Year due to my ability to impart knowledge to all of my students and to inspire students from all backgrounds to learn to their full capacity despite any socioeconomic disadvantages.  In 2015, I was also recognized as a 40 Under 40 Honoree by Leadership Arlington for been an inspirational teacher and a distinguished young leader in the education field.  On May 11, 2016 I was recognized by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.  I am also a practicing artist, active in leadership positions in numerous community artists groups including: Del Ray Artisans, The Arlington Artist Alliance, Art Latin American Collective Project (ALACP), and the Latino Art League (TLAL).

Personal Interests
During my time off I enjoy painting, drawing and photography.  I also like meditation, yoga, running and reading.  Recently I’ve been having fun learning about herbs and natural medicine.  I love spending time with my family and friends.  I have two cats: Geisha and Pasha, and a chocolate lab mix: Misha.  I like to travel to different countries and experience other cultures.  During the 2011-2012 school year, I worked on a photography project called “This is My City/ This is My Community,” where children in rural Uganda learned how to use cameras to share their life stories and culture with the community of Arlington.  Their artwork was on display at the Arlington Arts Center.  This project had a huge impact globally and within Arlington school communities.  This was one of the most rewarding personal and professional opportunities.

Literary Connection
“I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More” by Karen Beaumont is hilarious!  I like that it rhymes so it is perfect to read to my younger students.  It is great for phonetic awareness and hearing word parts.  The pictures in this book are very vivid, the pages are filled with crazy colors and designs.  This book makes me happy and makes me want to go wild and paint everywhere, including myself.