Stephanie A Woods:
Experiential Learning Coordinator Level 4
Art Educator all Levels
A little about Stephanie:
People always ask me “Where did you grow up?” The answer is all over. My family was military. I was born in Ozark, Alabama and then continued to move 1-2 times a year for the next 15 years. I lived in Europe and Korea, New York and Seattle, as just a couple of examples. My father is from New York and my mother is from Minnesota. I had seen all of the 50 states before I graduated from high school.
My college experience followed much of the same pattern. I attended the University for Colorado for a year, studying international business and anthropology. I then transferred to Montana State where I studied social work, anthropology and studio arts. I then transferred to the Art Institute of Seattle for a year to student Graphic Design, and then transferred to NYU for my final year of studio arts. While living and doing art in New York I took a job as a homeless shelter manager and trained in disaster relief. I was living in New York during 9/11 and was on the disaster relief crew. I was running a homeless shelter, and had to finish up my last year of college at the same time. I decided everyone would be happier in this very sad situation if we all started painting. I started teaching homeless people how to paint in the middle of a disaster, when I wasn’t at Ground Zero. That event changed my life and lead me to become an art educator.
After finishing my BFA in Studio Arts I decided to return to Montana State to get another degree in Art Education and Alternative Education. I completed my student teaching in Montana, while teaching art at Flathead Valley Community College. I also began working as a European Tour Guide, which I did for the next 15 years on my breaks. I then proceeded to teach 4 years of high school and alternative high school in Colorado Springs, acting as the district- wide art faculty leader. I then I moved to Rogue River, Oregon. I taught art and was the activities director at Rogue River Junior/Senior High School for 6 years. During that time I decided to return to school to get my MFA in illustration from the Academy of Arts. My 2 daughters and I moved to Alaska because my husband was offered a marine mapping job for 2 years, and I wanted to finish working on my degree. There I taught art at a K-8 private school. I never thought of myself as an elementary teacher, but I fell in love with the magic that is children creating art. That brought me to FGCS in 2015.
I love teaching art. Everywhere I have been I have loved it. However, Forest Grove Community School really embodies the principles I stand for. I am passionate about experiential learning. I get to use my skills as a tour guide as the Out & About director in Level 4. I bring my wealth of knowledge in the arts to a variety of ages in art class. Everyday feels like a new adventure. My daughter, Gwen, was able to attend this wonderful school for 4 years, and my daughter, Bryn, currently attends Forest Grove High School. My husband Lance is a county planner in McMinnville. We have found our home here. I look forward to teaching the artists of Forest Grove Community School for years to come. You can check out my artwork at www.steviewoodsart.com
Recent NewsI can't wait to meet everyone at Forest Grove Community School and jump right in leading Out and Abouts and teaching art. If anyone has any questions do not hesitate to contact me. You can email me at [email protected] or call the school. Thank you and again I look forward to meeting you.
|
Subscribe |