Community Arts Partner

Teaching Approach

Teaching Philosophy + Approach

I work to integrate my teaching and lesson planning with classroom teachers from the very beginning. I look to classroom teachers for guidance about their students' needs, learning styles, and the cultural and social background of both the students themselves and the school as a whole. I work with teachers to develop lessons that work in tandem with other lesson plans and subjects, as a complimentary track that either integrates or adds something new to their other work. To offer the best arts instruction possible, I rely on teachers for open communication and love it when teachers join in  as we dive into the creative work of writing.

Curriculum Integration Possibilities

Special Skills and Areas of Expertise

I have a strong background in incorporating writing instruction into dismantling systems of oppression and addressing difference. This includes work with LGBTQ youth and education around issues of gender and sexuality, work with youth and adults to understand and undo systemic racism, and work to help teachers develop teaching pedagogy and  incorporate issues of social justice into their curriculum. I am also a skilled performance poet with over 15 years experience performing. I work often with youth and adults as a performance coach and spoken word teacher, and am skilled at teaching performance skills as they relate to writing and poetry as well as within a theater or drama context.  

Testimonials from Schools

Ted Lockery, Teacher at Nathan Hale High School, tmlockery@seattleschools.org, 206-999-1353 Karen Finneyfrock, Teaching Artist, Writers-in-the-Schools, karenfinneyfrock@hotmail.com   More references available upon request.