Ms. Coburn

Photo:
ImpressionSunriseIcon.bmp (31KB)

About The Teacher Label:


About The Teacher
I have been teaching in District #20 since 1978. I taught elementary art at Waterbury for eight years, and began teaching at Spring Wood Middle School in 1986. I am a graduate of Grand Valley State University in Michigan, with a degree in Applied Art and Art History. I have also studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. In addition to teaching art,I am an illustrator and painter. I am currently working on a masters degree in education at Aurora University.

Mission Label:


Mission
I have high expectations for my students, and this is something I share with them at the onset of the course. A main objective I have for students is that they learn to think divergently, putting things together in a new way. This is the creative process. In aligning our curriculum with the state and national standards for art education, students will become familiar with the Elements and Principles of Design, and have experiences in the various art forms and medias. Art history will be taught at all grade levels. Sixth grade will study the art of the 18th century, 7th grade will study the art of the 19th century (Impressionism), and the 8th grade will study the art of the 20th century. Students are encouraged to self-evaluate their artwork through writing and group critiques. Students use a Visual Diary - a sketchbook and journal combined. They are encouraged to work in this weekly, and to respond in writing to their art. Finally, I strive to have a visually pleasing and fun environment - a place where students are encouraged to create freely.