Jamia

Playfully guiding children through holistic artistic process gives my life purpose and joy, and in turn fuels my own creative expression.

Currently 7

in their group

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for the TOP 10 ends Thursday the 20th of March at 7PM PDT

One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!

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Tell us why you became a teacher

I have always loved kids and art, to combine the two seemed a natural fit. I simply come alive around children, who are so playful and fun, that they naturally bring out that side in me. When I am in this open and receptive state of flow, in my creative process, I am happier and more energetic, and can get others excited about the arts. I consider my teaching, to be an extension of my own artistic process. I believe art is what makes the world go round and will help bring about peace.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I orchestrated this school wide "Community Groups" project for Earth Day, in which the entire school community gathered in a circle around our two trees on the schoolyard. Beforehand, kids in the classroom used the cyanotype (sun print) paper I pre-cut into circles, to place nature bits and other objects on top of, then carried them out to the school yard where there was a kiddie pool of water to stop the sun printing process. A circle of spoken wishes for the earth ensued. It was magical.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'd use it to help fund an art studio, a place of personal growth in a natural setting, that could also benefit the local community with workshops and events that focus on my Eco Art Education philosophies. Inspired by artist residencies I've attended, I have witnessed the transformative power of artists coming together in creative collaboration. I would love to open up some type of artist residency with gallery space there in the future. This would help plant the seed to grow this vision.

Planetary Society Planetary Society

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