Children are our future! They are future artists, doctors, politicians and so much else! In the world there is so much hate taught and I want to be part of a positive change for good. My goal is to teach children to embrace their inner artist and trust their creativity! With the rise of screen time and social media in youth, I see so many children focused on creating ‘perfect’ art. I show children a variety of artists and styles so they know that art can come from anywhere and anyone!

Art is incredibly healing, and I have seen it in action. One student at my school who often struggles with some very challenging behaviors, has shown an aptitude for working with students who have profound disabilities. This student, with good behavior, has helped my multi-disability art class and assisted the students in it with painting pottery, passing out supplies, and even doing hand over hand instruction with some! It’s wonderful to see this student use art as a chance to be a leader.

My school district has been just about frozen recently with budget cuts upcoming. I would love to give back to the staff workroom at my school and give all the classroom teachers supplies to help them integrate arts into their classes. This would include new paint and brushes, card stock paper and laminator film. I would add some supplies to my art room and start an art club at my school. Additionally, I plan to use some funds to further my career with a Masters of Special Education.