Professional Summary
Dedicated visual arts educator and department head in Ottawa with extensive experience delivering Ontario secondary art curricula, cultivating studio techniques across traditional and contemporary media, and guiding students through post-secondary portfolio preparation.
Professional Experience
Rideau Valley Collegiate Institute
Ottawa, Ontario
Visual Arts Department Head & Lead Teacher
Sep 2016 – Present
- Lead the secondary visual arts department, delivering Ontario curriculum for Grades 9 through 12 across painting, printmaking, sculpture, and digital media.
- Curate the annual school-wide spring fine arts retrospective, managing display logistics and student presentations for over 250 exhibited pieces.
- Guide senior Grade 12 students in assembling portfolio submissions for post-secondary admissions to Canadian and international fine arts faculties.
- Oversee studio health and safety compliance, including chemical handling for darkroom and printmaking processes, hazardous waste disposal, and ventilation systems.
Bytown Academy of the Arts
Ottawa, Ontario
Senior Visual Arts Teacher
Sep 2011 – Jun 2016
- Taught intermediate and senior studio arts courses, integrating art history seminars with practical studio workshops.
- Introduced a specialized relief printmaking and intaglio unit that increased elective enrolment in Grade 11 visual arts by 35 percent.
- Coordinated visiting artist workshops with local regional sculptors and illustrators to expose students to varied creative career paths.
Education
University of Ottawa
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) · Art Education · Ottawa, Ontario · Graduated with Distinction · Sep 1986 – May 1987
Completed practicum placements focusing on intermediate and senior studio arts curriculum delivery, kiln operation, and observational drawing techniques.
Carleton University
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) · Fine Arts (Studio Art and Art History) · Ottawa, Ontario · Graduated · Sep 1982 – May 1986
Specialized in printmaking, oil painting, and Canadian art history with secondary coursework in ceramics.
Curricular & Community Projects
Centretown Intergenerational Community Mural
Jan 2023 – Jun 2023
- Organized a semester-long public mural initiative pairing 28 high school art students with local seniors to design and install three exterior heritage-themed panels.
- Managed surface preparation, weather-resistant acrylic sealant application, and community unveiling ceremonies in central Ottawa.
Core Competencies
Ontario Visual Arts Curriculum (Grades 9–12)
Studio Art Instruction
Portfolio Development & Mentorship
Ceramics & Kiln Operation
Printmaking (Relief & Intaglio)
Drawing & Oil Painting Techniques
Exhibition Curation & Gallery Display
Studio Health & Chemical Safety
Differentiated Art Instruction
Languages
English
C2
French
B2
Certifications & Licensure
Certificate of Qualification and Registration (Visual Arts Intermediate/Senior)
Ontario College of Teachers · May 2012
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
Canadian Red Cross · Jun 2024
Community Involvement
Ottawa Community Clay & Print Guild
Ottawa, Ontario · Sep 2021 – Aug 2025
- Volunteer Studio Facilitator
- Supervised weekend drop-in printmaking and clay workshops for youth and community members, maintaining safe studio tool usage.