6-8 Art Educator, Hinsdale Middle School 2014-Present
K-5 Art Educator, Monroe Elementary, Hinsdale 1997 - 2014
Recent Honors:
2021-23 Art Program of Distinction, Illinois Art Education Association (only one of 5 art programs chosen state-wide and one of two middle schools chosen)
2021 Presidential Award Winner, Illinois Art Education Association
2019 Distinguished Member, Illinois Art Education Association
2018 Artsonia Leadership Award
2016 Outstanding Service to the Illinois Art Education Association
2014 National Art Education Technology Outstanding Teaching Award
2013 Apple Distinguished Educator, only art educator chosen in the United States
2011 National PBS Teacher Innovator winner
2010 Illinois Elementary Art Educator of the Year
Leadership:
2022-2024, Western Region Vice President, National Art Education Association
2020-2022, Western Region Vice President-Elect, National Art Education Association
2020-present, Webmaster for IAEA
2017-2018, President, Illinois Art Education Association
2017-2020, Webinar Coordinator for IAEA
2010-2014, Vice President, Illinois Art Education Association
Education:
National Board Certified, 2008, re-certified 2018
Illinois Benedictine University, MA Curriculum Development through Technology
Northern Illinois University, BS Art Education
Education Hobbies:
One of my passions is sharing knowledge with others as a frequent presenter at the local, state, and national levels. I am the founder of webinars for the Illinois Art Education Association, co-author of the award winning art education blog, The Teaching Palette and have written 18 monthly articles for SchoolArts Magazine in the Tech4ArtEd column. I am also part of the founding arts group in my home community, Orland Park Arts Alliance.
My other life:
When not busy teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband Phil, and my two amazing boys, Ryan age 19 and Nate age 16.