Heather Nelson
Summary
Passionate Visual Arts Teacher and Artist who uses a creative approach to Arts Education. Utilizing a variety of mediums, techniques, art principals, art criticism, and art history, leading to student success in art creation. Offers a safe place for students to create, explore, synthesize, and express ideas and art techniques to reach their full artistic potential. Experienced in creating and implementing school arts program from the ground up. Serves as a catalyst for a deeper experience of the creative process as a professional artist.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Specialist Teacher, Grade 6-9
Glenmore Christian Academy
08.2015 - Current
- Created art program that ensured student engagement in the classroom by designing innovative, thoughtful, project-based learning experiences focused on skill and artistic expression and high achievement while incorporating various art history, cultural history such as First Nations visual story telling, media, and techniques into lessons.
- Used a modified apprenticeship model to provide constructive and continuous formative assessment as well as summative assessment to provide feedback on student progress which took into consideration student variables, background, and prior knowledge.
- Created a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being as well as academic and artistic growth for all students.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, maintaining discipline while fostering creativity and individuality in student work.
- Organized school-wide art exhibits and semi-annual Art Nights with the help of parent volunteers showcasing student talent and promoting the importance of visual arts in the school.
- Displayed student art in hallways to showcase student work and contributed my own paintings, sculpture, and ceramics when it would contribute to school culture.
- Actively sought professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in creating and teaching art, while integrating new ideas into instruction.
- Mentored new art teachers entering the profession by hosting an internship student, shared resources, insights, and expertise gained throughout years of experience to other art teachers and taught PD sessions at conventions and within the school.
- Organized a variety of field trips for students to art museums and nature areas to sketch and paint en plein air to deepen students understanding and experience of creating and viewing art.
- Designed and executed set design for 7 semi-annual theatre productions. Led, organized, recruited, and managed staff, students, and parents to help build, paint, and gather set pieces.
- Created, managed, and ordered art supply budget based on art program for 250 art students each year.
- Led and organized fundraising for one humanitarian Mexico trip, raising over $60 000 in a few months.
Art Specialist, Atelierista
Heartland Education Agency and Educational Services
01.2012 - 06.2015
- Art Educational Consultant to train and mentor staff to create and execute art projects to deepen student (3-6 years old) learning in various projects/themes.
- Collaborated with a team to create and execute Professional Development workshops and study groups for Heartland staff (teachers, Ed Assistants, therapists, psychologists, etc.).
Art Specialist Teacher, Grades 5-9
Glenmore Christian Academy
01.2002 - 01.2009
- Created and presented exciting art program for students using age appropriate activities for students to tap into their creativity and build artistic skills.
Teacher, Langevin School
Calgary Board Of Education
09.1999 - 06.2002
- Taught variety of courses: Grade 5/6 Generalist, ACCESS Program (Special Education program), Food and Fashion Studies, Grade 8 Language Arts
Art Instructor
North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre
01.1998 - 01.1999
Art and Nature Appreciation Instructor
Leighton Art Centre
04.1995 - 01.1998
Education
Bachelor of Education - Secondary Art
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Developmental Art
University of Calgary
Skills
- Extensive Art Education Background
- Advanced Drawing, Painting, and Sculpting Techniques
- Art History Knowledge
- Creative and Innovative Thinker
- Art Critique Abilities
- Exceptional Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Caring and Kind Classroom Environment
- Exhibition Design
Professional Artist
Professional painter who regularly shows and sells contemporary artwork in and around Calgary.
Curriculum Vitae available for viewing upon request
Volunteer Experience
- 2022-Present Member of Arts Team at Southview Alliance Church: displays my own paintings along with others in regular exhibitions on display in church.
- 2020-Present Singer on Music Team at Southview Alliance Church: Learn music and sing on a team every four weeks for three services per weekend.
- 2003-2021 YWAM Humanitarian Mission Trips: went with student team to build homes for impoverished Mexican families (6 trips total)
- 2002 Sweetest Thing Album: On team who raised funds for and created album recorded in Nashville by grammy nominated producer. All proceeds went to humanitarian efforts.
- 1997-2015 Co-Music Director at University Christian Church: Responsibilities included singing and leading music, organizing teams, leading practices, workshops, and retreats.
Timeline
Art Specialist Teacher, Grade 6-9
Glenmore Christian Academy
08.2015 - Current
Art Specialist, Atelierista
Heartland Education Agency and Educational Services
01.2012 - 06.2015
Art Specialist Teacher, Grades 5-9
Glenmore Christian Academy
01.2002 - 01.2009
Teacher, Langevin School
Calgary Board Of Education
09.1999 - 06.2002
Art Instructor
North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre
01.1998 - 01.1999
Art and Nature Appreciation Instructor
Leighton Art Centre
04.1995 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Education - Secondary Art
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Developmental Art
University of Calgary
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