from Cedar Creek Elementary School — Lee's Summit, Missouri

View all teachers

Biography

I has been my honor to be the art teacher at Cedar Creek Elementary since it opened 19 years ago. As I retire this year, I wish all my students and fellow art teachers much joy and success in the future! Be creative EVERY day!! Until we meet again.......

Below is a link to some of my elementary examples, as well as some of my own personal art. I love to share, so feel free to try any of them with your students! Now... a little about me. This is my 37th year teaching art. I have taught at all levels K-12 throughout my career, sixteen years of which were at the high school level. I especially love the younger elementary students because they have no fear when creating art! I love my job and love working on new ideas to enhance my students' art education. I have very high expectations of myself as well as my students. I am currently incorporating technology along with reading/writing into my lesson plans. EVERY ONE of my students is a Van Gogh! They believe they can do anything! My philosophy about art is that it is a "problem solving" arena. There are several ways to accomplish something. I emphasize creativity, thinking outside the box, working hard, and doing your BEST all of the time!

I was nominated in our district for "Teacher of the Year" in 2009-2010, and was awarded the Learning for Life Award in March 2012. In 2015 I was selected as a finalist for "Teacher of the Year".

I attended a NAIA division I college on a volleyball and basketball scholarship and graduated from Midland Lutheran College (Nebraska) in 1979 with a BFA in art education and a coaching endorsement. I have been a high school coach for over 20 years coaching both volleyball and basketball. I received my master's degree from Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri. When I am not planning new and exciting things for my students, I am living my life to the fullest after my diagnosis with breast cancer in 2007, then again in 2011. I have learned to not take ANYTHING for granted since my double mastectomy. I am a new grandmother, play competitive volleyball, and enjoy interior decorating, and painting!

Personal Art Gallery