About Me
I am an artist and an art educator. I live in Utah with my husband and three cats. I completed my Art Education BA degree in 2017 and am currently teaching junior high school art and shop while working on my Master's degree in Visual Communication Design. At any given time, you may find me browsing Netflix, reading a book, or drawing in my sketchbook. I love all forms of art, but my current favorites are charcoal, watercolor, and bookbinding. For art prints, handbound books, and 3D printed objects, visit nataliegarffart.square.site.
Teaching Philosophy
At the core of my teaching philosophy is the belief that education is a collaborative journey, where both teacher and students engage in a mutual exchange of knowledge and insights. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also cultivates a classroom atmosphere where creativity, problem-solving, and innovation thrive. In my practice, I prioritize not just the teaching of art skills, but also mentoring students in ways that prepare them for life's challenges, encouraging them to apply their learning beyond the confines of the classroom.
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My dedication to teaching art transcends the conventional; I view art as a pivotal means of exploring and understanding other subjects. Whether it's connecting historical contexts through ancient artworks or applying geometric principles in visual design, my goal is to equip students with the ability to see the interconnectedness of their knowledge. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances students' appreciation for art but also fosters a more holistic educational experience.
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In my instructional methods, I balance between demonstrating essential skills and encouraging independent exploration and discovery. This is evident in how I structure my lessons, from basic techniques in beginning art classes to more sophisticated concepts in advanced courses. For example, in a portraiture lesson, I not only teach the fundamentals of drawing but also create opportunities for students to apply and refine these skills through peer interaction. This hands-on approach ensures that students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in their learning journey.
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Assessment in my classes is multifaceted, incorporating pre-assessments, sketchbook checks, and project critiques to gauge student progress comprehensively. This approach allows me to tailor my instruction to meet the evolving needs of my students while providing them with continuous feedback for improvement.
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Finally, continuous professional development is crucial to my practice. I actively seek opportunities to experiment with new teaching strategies and collaborate with colleagues across disciplines. This openness to innovation and shared learning has significantly enriched my teaching repertoire, enabling me to offer an engaging and effective art education.
Curriculum Vitae
Qualifications
2024-Present
Visual Communication Design MA
Liberty University
Master's program in Visual Communication Design, leads into MFA in Graphic Design.
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Courses in contemporary art history, graphic design, publication, and typography.
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Expected conferment January 2025
2017-Present
Professional Utah Teaching License
Secondary Teaching License
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Visual Arts endorsement K-12
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Technology endorsement 7-12
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Adobe Level 1 and Level 2 Creative Cloud Educator Certificate
2013-2017
Art Education BA
Brigham Young University
Art Education degree from Brigham Young University, learning art skills, classroom management, and teaching methods.
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Earned a 3.54 GPA while working part-time
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Member of NAEA, BYU Student Chapter
Teaching Experience
2018-Present
Art Teacher
Granite School District
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Teaching a wide variety of classes - Art Foundations, 2D Art, 3D Art, Ceramics, Yearbook, Construction Technology, Robotics Technology, and College and Career Awareness
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Piloting the ceramics program at Hunter Jr. High
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Assisting in the creation of district-level proficiency scales for Robotics Technology
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Participating in the faculty morale committee
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Maintaining the school workshop
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Member of NAEA and UAEA
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Member of UEA and GEA
2022-Present
Private Violin Teacher
Teaching violin techniques and basic music theory to students ages 8 and older
January 2018 - May 2018
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Educational Staffing
Substituting for multiple subject areas for all grade levels in Alpine, Wasatch, Provo, and Nebo School Districts
Media Experience
While working on my degree, I had exposure to many different mediums and styles of artwork. I focused more on some mediums than others, but I am comfortable working in most.
Medium Experience
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2D Mediums: Watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints; charcoal, pastel, and graphite; printmaking techniques; film photography and processing, digital photography; and digital media programs including Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Suite, and Corel
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3D Mediums: Ceramic sculpture and pottery; some woodworking; some metalwork; and bookbinding