I am excited to continue another year at Constitution Elementary! This will be my fourth year teaching art to K-8 students. I'm a long time Arizonan, and graduated from University of Arizona in Tucson with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design and Illustration. I received my educator certification in a post-baccalaureate program at Rio Salado here in Phoenix. I have always loved drawing and painting. I am a hands on learner and enjoy bringing students process art experiences. Art is active, hands on, and a unique opportunity for trial and error, a unique opportunity to try something new or experiment with ideas without the pressure of standardized testing.

I believe in treating all people with respect. This extends to promoting respect for and between students, as well as between students and staff. Boys Town social expectations have been an excellent tool for promoting this respect.

I belive in teaching cross-curricular lessons. Your students may learn a little bit about science, math, or history in art class. Art overlaps with all subjects!

I believe in meeting students where they are at, and helping them grow from there.

I believe in allowing students to have choices in their learning. Art is the one class that can be about the student, their thoughts, and their life. Allowing choice creates ownership and investment in our learning, and a deeper curiosity during the creative process. I promote this choice by having some assignments where students have a wide range of options in subject matter or media choice.

I believe in knowing my students. This can be difficult as a specials teacher, where I only see each class once a week, but I make a conscious effort to get to know something about every student throughout the year, and know all the students' names. Getting to know our students is the gateway to helping them grow.

I believe in students being responsible for their own learning. I believe in positivity, positive reinforcement, and logical consequences. I try to use restorative practices where applicable, becuase this is the best way for students to grow in conflict management and social skills they need in life outside the classroom.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog. I also enjoy reading, board games, hiking, traveling, and martial arts.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me through email or my direct line listed on my homepage and I will contact you back as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Mosley