Teach with Passion

School policy requires parents to share their email address and phone number. For routine or non-behavior related communications a printed handout can be sent home with the student. Alternatively an email to the parents may work. Visual Art progress should be shared with the parents and the world! Each class will have an online production blog curated by myself and by the students. The blog URL link and a short descriptive message of the purpose of the blog can be shared with parents by email at the beginning of the term. The blog will use blogger a google related site. I will be the only administrator but students can be invited as a guest poster that can be approved by the administrator. Behavior related communication In the case that a student's parents need to be contacted for family support I will email or call the parents to set up a meeting. I will also communicate with a counselor and administrator as appropriate. Meetings with parents might need a translator i...

Laptop computers will be standard in the class available for use for research and other relevant work. However, when not in use the computers will be expected to stay in backpacks or in student spaces. This is particularly important because the classroom will get messy at times and we need to keep the digital devices safe. Mobile phones should be kept safely with the student in silent mode. Note taking will be on the laptop and all images and slides will be shared in a google drive. Mobile phones can be used for teacher specified apps or to take video or audio if relevant. Tardiness rules and procedures will follow the school norms. When I speak with a student about being late or unprepared I will comment on the behavior not the person. When a pattern of difficult behavior becomes apparent I can speak to the student one-on-one and try to problem solve. If the behavior continues I can begin to input behavior data in the PBIS Behavior Tracker Spreadsheet. https://drive...

"Musicians must make music, artists must paint, poets must write if they are to be ultimately at peace with themselves. What human beings can be, they must be." Abraham Maslow, Motivation and Personality Abraham Maslow's influence is still felt today. We have moved onto 21st century skills but it is always valuable to go back and learn where much of where it all started. This YouTube video is an in-depth interview with Maslow is worth the 50 plus minutes. Characteristics of self-actualizers: 1. They perceive reality efficiently and can tolerate uncertainty; 2. Accept themselves and others for what they are; 3. Spontaneous in thought and action; 4. Problem-centered (not self-centered); 5. Unusual sense of humor; 6. Able to look at life objectively; 7. Highly creative; 8. Resistant to enculturation, but not purposely unconventional; 9. Concerned for the welfare of humanity; 10. Capable of deep appreciation of basic life-experience; 11. Establish deep...

Passion  - I will daily research art and philosophy related content. It can be through Pinterest, Flipboard, News sites, books or Facebook groups. - I will introduce relevant content in my planning to keep it fresh and alive. I will attempt to connect current events and real world projects in my teaching. Respect  - My daily teaching mantra. "Each student is a mine of gems of inestimable value. Education will help reveal the gems within." - The emotional space of the classroom will be positive. -  I will use the language of inclusiveness. Excellence - Each day I will expect the most out of myself as a teacher. I will always be on time and ready. I will be well prepared. I expect the same from my students. - The physical space of the classroom will be open and accessible. - Students will be trusted to maintain a clean and organized work space. Growth - I will mindfully address students directly with specific, authentic and positive comments. - I will admit ...

Laptop computers will be standard in the class available for use for research and other relevant work. However, when not in use the computers will be expected to stay in backpacks or in student spaces. This is particularly important because the classroom will get messy at times and we need to keep the digital devices safe. Mobile phones should be kept safely with the student in silent mode. Note taking will be on the laptop and all images and slides will be shared in a google drive. Mobile phones can be used for teacher specified apps or to take video or audio if relevant. Tardiness rules and procedures will follow the school norms. When I speak with a student about being late or unprepared I will comment on the behavior not the person. When a pattern of difficult behavior becomes apparent I can speak to the student one-on-one and try to problem solve. If the behavior continues I can begin to input behavior data in the PBIS Behavior Tracker Spreadsheet. https://drive.google.co...

I love collaborating. Almost all of my best work has been done with collaborators. In 2011 I collaborated with Karen Gutosky-Zimmerman on an international and inter-institutional project. We brought together her American design students to work with my Thai animation students. The project was successful and Karen and I ended up co-presenting our case study in 2012 at the Geographics: Design, Education and the Transnational Terrain Conference(AIGA). In 2012 I had my first foray into High School level workshops was a “Stop Motion Workshop” for SEASAC Performing Arts Festival at Ruamrudee International School co-conducted with Pavla Poch. A year later I co-conducted a “Mini Music Video Workshop” at the International School of Bangkok with Bryan Ott. In 2014 I began work on “Thai Whale Animation Project: Whale Conservation Awareness in Thailand” with Chankit Chamnivikaipong, a director of photography for TVCs and feature films with a passion for conserving nature. The collabora...