In this age of cultural diversity, technological advancement and fervent academic expectations, the modern day student has a lot to contend with. Educational standards are on the rise and children are growing up faster than ever. In order to navigate through the challenges that lie ahead, students of all ages need the tools to think creatively. An ideal arts education allows students to explore their minds and imagination in an unadulterated and supportive environment. Having a solid arts education, however, may not only give students an awareness of their abilities, it can also lead them down a path of discovery and knowledge. By encouraging the process of self-discovery and experiential learning, students can learn skills that translate into life, both in and out of school. By valuing both the process and product, the arts satiate the need to express, create and interpret experiences. Not only does an arts education promote multicultural awareness, it is a universal language that can influence and be influenced by one’s course of study, ego identity and the world around them. I believe that art education is an integral component of today’s curriculum because it encourages students of every developmental level to pursue personal fulfillment by emphasizing and developing the creative and intuitive nature of the student. I also think it is important to contextualize and enhance the students’ experience with the arts by integrating an interdisciplinary method of engaging them with their core classes. Supplementing art projects with units in the English, Social Studies, Science and Technology departments promotes a more well rounded education. Within my art studio, I want to complement a hands-on approach to learning with historical and cultural references so that students can appreciate the relevance of the arts from the past to today’s modern day society. Whether it’s Leonardo da Vinci’s multifaceted influences on history to the new art careers that are blooming due to the computer graphics industry, the arts enriches the lives of students while enhancing their lifelong learning experiences. In my art classroom, students will acquire knowledge about the elements of art and the principles of design. They will learn about influential artists and how to work with different media and techniques. They will also develop their own processes of learning and how to respect the various talents and opinions of their peers. Ultimately, I intend to create a learning environment that supports the growth of a student’s self-esteem so that they may gain knowledge that transpires the classroom setting.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Lee Ave. Elementary School, One 7^th Street, Hicksville, NY 11801 September, 2010 – present

Art Teacher, Grades K-5

Create lessons for K-5^th grade classes; SeeSaw lessons; teach with Ben Q machine and chromebooks; create bulletin boards, monthly Kindergarten Displays; art fundraisers (Square One Art & , community art contests (i.e Fire Safety, Earth Day, Martin Luther King) exhibitions; fence displays, multiplication steps, hallway murals; PTA Reflections judge; created background scenery for Project Rise plays in 2012 and 101 Dalmations play in 2011.

Hicksville Middle School, 215 Jerusalem Ave, Hicksville, NY 11801 September, 2017 – present

Art Teacher, Grade 6

Create engaging art lessons for 6^th grade classes; Google Classroom lessons; digital photography; Art Supervisors Exhibition at Farmingdale SUNY College, Hicksville Public Library art show, Long Island Art Teachers Association “Art in Heart Exhibition” at Sunrise Mall in Massapequa.

Hicksville High School, 180 Division Ave. Hicksville, NY 11801 September, 2016 – June 2017

Art Teacher, Grades 9-12 September, 2010 – June 2011

Teach Studio in Art. Previously taught Survey of Fine Arts and Studio Art, taught various lessons on the Elements of Art, Art History, Color Theory & Mixed Media.

Woodland Elementary School, 85 Ketcham Road, Hicksville, NY 11801

Art Teacher, Grades K-5 September, 2015 – June 2016

Create lessons for K-5^th grade classes; maintain teacher website; Bulletin Boards, displays, community art contests and exhibitions.

Old Country Road School, 49 Rhodes Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801 September, 2013 – June 2014

Art Teacher, Grades 2-5

Create lessons for 2^nd-5^th grade classes; maintain teacher website; teach with iPads; Bulletin Boards, displays, community art contests and exhibitions.

Fork Lane School, 4 Fork Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801 September, 2012 – June 2013

Art Teacher, Grades K-5

Developed lessons for K-5^th grade classes; maintain teacher website; interior hallway signage and posters, PTA Reflections judge; community art contests and exhibitions.

Hicksville High School, 180 Division Ave. Hicksville, NY 11801

Art Teacher, Grades 9-12 September, 2010 – June 2011

Taught Survey of Fine Arts and Studio Art, taught various lessons on the Elements of Art, Art History, Color Theory & Mixed Media.

Hudson High School of Learning Technologies, 351 West 18^th Street, New York, NY 10011

Art Teacher/Art Advisor, Grade 9 February, 2011 – June 2011

Design, develop and integrate project-based content in an interdisciplinary collaboration with math, social studies and the humanities’ departments.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE

STACIPOPHOTO.COM September 2001-current

Photographer for Events, Portraits, Photojournalism

THE VILLAGE VOICE, 36 Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003

Photo Director/Photo Editor/Photographer September 2000 - September 2008

Conceive and execute ideas for cover pages, features and photo essays; photo intern supervisor and coordinator, liaison between the editorial, art and web departments; hire photographers; assign shoots; photo trafficking; editorial design; retouch photos, obtain permits, draw up contracts, stock and agency photo research.