Teaching Portfolio
college/Graduate
Why Do I Teach Art?
I attended a lab preschool at the University of Washington in Seattle as a child. It was in this environment of discovery and wonder that I created my first paintings. They were, in the eyes of someone small, large-scale paintings... of custard- or so I decided; I had never actually eaten custard. What looked like paint haphazardly swirled on a piece of paper was affirmed as Art, and from that point forward, I was an Artist. I have fond memories of that classroom and the happenings within it, which I cherish deeply. I teach Art to share my passion with others and give students the gift of having meaningful, memorable experiences they recall for a lifetime.
Teaching philosophy
Artists are thinkers and cultural producers. I aspire for my students to be highly competent in both areas. Visual Art students require a curriculum…
“I can easily say Rebecca is one of the finest classroom teachers I have come across during my time in education. Her knowledge of the curriculum, her teaching practices, and her ability to engage with the students is phenomenal.”
– Trey Blair
Head of Lower School, Fort Worth Country Day
education
-
Painting
Savannah College of Art and Design -
Art- Drawing & Painting
University of Georgia
Studio Courses taught
Drawing I & II (combined)
Painting I & II (combined)
Design II
Digital Media
Graduate: Painting– Acrylic Techniques
lecture courses taught
Art History Survey I
Art History Survey II
Art Appreciation
Graduate: Art Education– Curriculuim Design
Expertise
Oil Painting
Acrylic Painting
Observational Drawing
Conceptual Drawing
Color Theory
Adobe Creative Cloud
Instructional Media
achievements
-
• Champion Elementary School, Star-Telegram Stock Show Art Contest, $1000
• Honorable Mention, Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Georgia National Fair
• Raynor Purchase Award, Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Georgia National Fair
-
• So-Cur Weatherford College Student Juried Exhibition (Arts Fort Worth)
• 50th Anniversary Alumni Art Exhibition (Fort Worth Country Day)
• 2D Venue Coordinator, Independent School Association of the Southwest Arts Festival
-
• Resin Application, AP Student Workshop, Fort Worth Country Day
• Resin Painting, Donor Workshop, Fort Worth Country Day
• Design Thinking, Faculty Professional Development, Fort Worth Country Day
• Art in the Preschool Classroom, Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Professional Development, Fort Worth Country Day
“Rebecca James is an Change Text Art educator. I have seen that through the eyes of my students, and through the eyes of my own daughter. Rebecca’s classroom is quiet yet busy, calm yet productive. She knows how to motivate every child to produce their best work.”
– Caroline Lamsens
(Former) Kindergarten Teacher, Fort Worth Country Day
Studio Happenings
“Rebecca has been an exceptional art teacher the entire time I have known her. She has excellent classroom management skills and conducts her art room based on best practices and standards-based strategies.”
– Dr. Cheryl A. Thomas
Assistant Principal for Instruction, Quail Run Elementary
Student Artwork
Painting I
More Galleries
Portfolio
Professional Artworks
Student Artwork
College Level