I teach art to students in grades 5-8 at a rural school. The majority of my students are Hispanic, and 98% of my kids are economically disadvantaged. Language is often an obstacle for the kids that I teach; I am fortunate that art can overcome such obstacles.
Position:
Visual Arts Teacher
Needs:
My students need exposure to technology. Many students do not have access to computers in the home, so it is important that as an educator I provide as much real world experience with technology as possible. In addition to teaching fine art, I provide support to the academic teachers by reinforcing their curricula and computer skills.
My Philosophy:
My philosophy is it is my job to provide an environment that encourages risk taking and high visual standards. I am educating the next generation of artists and art appreciators, so it is important to create positive learning experiences that connect to the students own experiences.
Personal Information:
About Me:
My name is Mrs. Gironda and I currently live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I commute each day to teach art to grades 5-8 at Indiantown Middle School, and it is well worth the drive! I am originally from North Carolina and moved to Florida in August 2009 so my husband could begin his PhD in marketing at Florida Atlantic University. Our family at this point consists of two cats, Mackie and Scooter.
Peoplethat know me personally and professionally will tell you that I am enthusiastic and committed to everything that I do. I hope that upon reviewing my profile you will agree! I am excited to be working with the students and staff at Indiantown Middle School, GO THUNDERBIRDS!
College and Degrees:
I am committed to being a lifelong learner, as evident in my pursuit of my MAEd (May 2009), and also by my quest for National Board Teacher certification. I also hold a BFA from East Carolina University in Art Education and Textiles. (May 2001)
Activities:
I am the adviser for Art Club and SWAT at Indiantown Middle School. Outside of the classroom I continue to pursue the role of educator; I have taught art camps and classes through Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation (NC) and also Emerge Gallery (NC). I also am active in cheerleading; I judge regional and national events throughout the year. I am currently the assistant coach for the varsity cheerleading squad at Palm Beach Gardens High School.
Favorite Books:
I love, love, LOVE Eric Carle books! I fell in love with his work when I taught K-2 art. His work brings out the kid in me. As for grown-up books, anything related to art!
Favorite Quotes:
"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
Pablo Picasso
Interests:
I love to travel. I have made it a goal to expand my knowledge of other cultures, which led me to a four-week trip to Japan with a group of educators made possible through a grant from Fulbright-Hays. (June 10-July 8, 2009) As a result of this interest in travel and the larger, global community I have written and received many grants related to the subject. One of the most recent grants/projects was to create a large-scale peace mural for the Kids Guernica International Peace Exhibition. The IMS mural traveled to Japan this past summer (2010) before continuing on to Indonesia for the international show.
I continue to create my own artwork through commissioned and commercial works. My current body of work combines hand-dyed, fused fabrics that are beaded and then combined with my figurative paintings and drawings.
Employment History:
In addition to teaching middle school, I have two years of elementary experience, four years of high school teaching experience, and also experience with Distance Education at ECU as a teaching assistant for ART-1910, an undergraduate level art appreciation course.
Why Do I Teach?:
I believe that an arts education helps to create a more well-rounded student.