Meet the Teachers at Hinsdale Middle School (Hinsdale, Illinois)

Theresa McGee

Major accomplishments:
National Art Education Association Board of Directors as VP of Western Region (2022-24)
Art Program of Distinction 2021-24 (one of only two middle schools awarded in Illinois)
Illinois Art Education Association Presidental Award 2021
National Art Education Technology Outstanding Teaching Award 2014
Apple Distinguished Educator 2013
PBS Teacher Innovator National Winner 2011
Illinois Elementary Art Educator of the Year 2010
National Board Certified

About me:
Beginning at a ... read morevery young age, I had the privilege of experiencing a wealth of public art and its cultural influences while growing up on the north side of Chicago. I believe that my visual experiences directly impacted my attitude and love for visual art. As I worked my way through school, my mother always encouraged me to work hard at EVERYTHING but "BE what you love". Visual art was an easy "love" to figure out in my career path. However, it wasn't until I became a Junior Lifeguard Program Coordinator at Leone Beach in Chicago that I realized that influencing the lives of children was the other "love" for me. My experiences in the Junior Lifeguard Program gave me the wisdom to change my college major from computer graphics to art education. I received my degree in Art Education K-12 from Northern Illinois University and student taught in Deerfield, Illinois. I began teaching in Hinsdale District 181 in 1997 and at Hinsdale Middle School in fall of 2014. Realizing my desire to work with children, I pursued and completed my Masters in Education in Curriculum and Development from Benedictine University. I have spent my career working to integrate technology into every area of teaching. Beyond student-generated computer art, I use the internet and other multimedia avenues to teach and inspire children. I have found that Artsonia allows the children to explore art and technology outside of class, reinforcing previous lessons taught and communicating their accomplishments with family and friends. I strive to help develop creative thinking, self-confidence, and connections between art and everyday life experiences in a challenging and enjoyable learning environment. I believe that building vocabulary and critical thinking skills are essential to the achievement of success in all academic areas. Most of my students will not become artists, but ALL will be called on to be creative and appreciate the importance of high-quality work. I strive to help install these qualities in the children every day.

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Carolyn Zolecki

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