About
***ATTENTION!! Please read! I apologize I haven't been able to accept requests due to life circumstances but please try again in later 2023. Since 2020, I have had to move a few times while helping some family and friends during the pandemic. Then in 2021, I suffered a severely broken leg and I've been since in recovery, while focusing on my own art. I moved one last time in 2022 and now have a more permanent home base. My final surgery was early January 2023 and then I will be more available for remote tutoring when I update this notice! If you sent any requests to me during this time then please try me again in later 2023! Thank you so much and I'm sorry for any inconvenience but I'm really looking forward to teaching again!***
I went to college for Fine Art and Art Education (BFA with PK-12 Visual Arts Certificate), then went on to teach art and other subjects over the past 12 years in numerous various positions such as in Montessori schools, outreach and after-school programs, at an educational farm, summer camps, nature/outdoor school, and in public schools. I worked 2008-2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio then moved to North County San Diego, CA and have been working here since 2013.
I love the variety and enjoy gaining experience in many areas. In addition to being a professional artist, I decided to pursue a career in education because quite frankly, I believe that being a teacher is one of the most crucial jobs in humanity. We are collectively helping to give the next generation the tools and resources they will need to survive in the future. Each generation goes on to shape the entire world. That aside, I knew from a young age that I wanted to teach, and personally I find it extremely rewarding, challenging, and fun. To be able to assist in and witness the learning process is honestly pretty amazing. I enjoy the connections made with other teachers and with students. It may sound cliche, but I want to make a difference in the lives of growing minds, just like some of my teachers did for me. I believe in striving to be a lifelong learner, both student and teacher. I believe that the most important element of the student-teacher relationship is mutual trust and respect. The student must trust that the teacher is going to provide them with the education they need, and show respect by being ready and willing to learn so that the educational process can be as smooth as possible. The teacher must trust that the student is going to follow directions and rules to the same end, as well as respect the students by treating them all as equals without bias and taking time to listen to their point of view. Agreements made in the beginning of student-teacher interactions can set the tone and expectations necessary to make this happen.
I strive to ensure academic success for all students by, ideally, checking in individually with them regularly to monitor progress. In general, I like to provide many visuals and teach to cater to various learning styles, as well as do my best to reframe any information that does not seem to be understood. I find it's best to have an overall structure and routine, but provide some variation or "surprises" within the schedule. Breaking up the lessons with different activities can help students stay focused and interested. Using incentives and reward systems can be effective motivators, especially for students who seem to have resistant or reluctant attitudes.
I am dedicated to accommodating special needs; in fact, over the last most recent nearly three years substituting with San Marcos Unified School District, I have been teaching most of that time in Special Education classes, and specifically, one entire school year just in the SEAS (Social Emotional and Academic Support) program alone at one of the elementary schools in that district.
Details
Grade level
Subject
Reviews
Tracey W.
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Fine Arts – 2D/Painting Emphasis with PK-12 Art Education Certificate and Art History Certificate
Graduated June 2008, Cum Laude, G.P.A.: 3.75
Substitute Teacher
Substitute teaching within the school district, predominantly in classrooms with special needs
Teacher
Taught weekly outreach classes with groups of children at various elementary schools in the north county area in the subjects of visual art, movement, dance, yoga, and sciences (robotics and environmental); led and assisted with summer camp at Legoland
Teacher
Taught in a nature school setting (with ages 3-6) at various outdoors locations in San Diego county, as both lead and supporting teacher; planned and organized lessons and activities; assisted children with needs; participated in team observation and reflection; first aid in the field
Expedition Assistant Coordinator
Managed groups of 12-14 year old students in nature setting of Hawai'i for several days; organized expedition materials; coordinated cabin groups; first aid in the field
Art Instructor and Assistant Art Instructor
Taught art lessons with grades 2-3 for a weekly summer camp at a private wooded animal farm, as both an assistant instructor and lead instructor; set up art shows for kids' families at end of each week
Community Education Coordinator (and temporary Visual Art Outreach Program Coordinator)
Assisted the Director of Community Education with production of courses, managed database, processed registrations and sales, prepared course documents, communicated with instructors and locations, etc.
Art Teacher
Taught art lessons for after-school outreach to Hartwell School and summer camp (2011)
Teacher, Tour Guide, Counselor, Farmer
Taught and guided day tours and summer camp at educational farm that provides hands-on experience for children of all ages; aid in taking care of farm, animals, and produce garden
Art Teacher
Taught 2-hour after-school art lessons at various local schools (grades K-6), a Saturday art class, outreach project at Silverton Paideia, summer camps (2011-12); led a mural painting on the KHAC building with kids
Art Instructor and Visual Art Outreach Program Instructor
Prepared and taught art lesson plans designed to be incorporated into prescribed curriculum within Cincinnati Public Schools (K-12), recruited to teach up to 3 hours in a classroom per visit; taught art classes at the main Art Academy building downtown and summer camp at Clifton Cultural Arts Center (2013)
Teaching Artist/Assistant
Participated in painting “The Vision of Samuel Hannaford”, a mural in downtown Cincinnati at 1308 Race St (Over-The-Rhine area) with 2 other staff members and 11 teenage students in MuralWorks summer program
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing depends on many factors but I am flexible and more than willing to negotiate with you to fit this into your budget!
How did you get started teaching?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to teach, so when I decided on my preferred BFA college, I enrolled in the educational program that was tied to my particular school (DAAP at University of Cincinnati).
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of EVERY age from 2 to 20, of so many different learning styles and academic levels, from all walks of life! I have specialized in Elementary Special Education more in the last few years of my teaching experience.