Hi, I’m Aryn! I’m an art educator who’s passionate about creativity, connection, and cultivating confidence through making. This space is a celebration of the colorful journey that is teaching and learning through art.
Goal 1: Elementary PlacementI will use a visual schedule at the start of each class to help students understand the day’s plan. I will check in weekly with my cooperating teacher to see if it’s helping students stay on task and transition more smoothly.
During my time teaching at Saturday Arts Lab, I experimented with strategies to support a positive learning environment, but I’m also thinking ahead to my student teaching placements and considering what I want to try next.
In my ideal art classroom, behavior management starts with creating an environment that supports student autonomy, creativity, and respect. I would establish clear, consistent expectations from day one, focusing on community agreements like "take care of each other, take care of materials, and take creative risks." These expectations would be visible on the wall and reinforced through modeling, positive reinforcement, and reflection throughout the year.
Case Study 1: “Leo” - Building Confidence Through Encouragement
Like many first-time teachers, I walked into the classroom with a clear vision and high hopes for every project. I imagined students would be equally excited about each lesson, inspired by the materials, and immediately invested in the big ideas I had planned (I can hear the veteran teachers laughing here). But reality doesn't always match expectations. Some students were deeply engaged for most projects, while others sometimes seemed unsure or uninspired, especially during my earlier lessons. At first, I took this personally and worried that maybe I hadn’t designed the “right” project. But after reflecting, I realized the issue wasn’t the content, it was ownership.
This lesson, titled Colorful Horizons: Exploring Landscapes, explored how artists use abstraction, color, and composition to express mood and memory in landscapes. We drew inspiration from the work of Ted Harrison, whose vivid, stylized depictions of the Yukon encouraged students to move beyond realism and think about how places feel rather than just how they look.
I’m Aryn, an art educator with a winding path that started in healthcare. I spent years teaching in clinical settings, but over time I realized I was missing something: a creative outlet, a deeper sense of connection, and the freedom to build something meaningful with others. That realization eventually led me to the classroom.
Today, I teach art with a focus on student voice, inclusivity, and creative exploration. My background—working with diverse learners, navigating personal challenges, and leading outdoor programs—has shaped the way I show up for my students. I believe art is more than a subject; it’s a tool for self-understanding and making sense of the world.
Outside of school, I’m a mom, someone who feels most grounded in nature. This site is where I share what I’m learning, making, and teaching along the way.