Education
M.A. Art Education NYU, New York, NY, 2011 (New York State Certification in Art, awarded September 2011)
M.F.A. The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 2001
B.F.A. Alfred University, Alfred, New York, May 1995
K-12 Teaching Experience
Visual Arts Teacher, Upper School, Avenues: The World School, NYC, NY, 2013 – present
Design curriculum for and teach a range of classes for 9-12
Introduction to Creative Process: Foundations course for 9th-grade students exploring materials and methods in contemporary, project-based studio practices, establishing core skills for creative exploration. Mixed Media: Investigates the potential of collage, printmaking, and digital components through layering and juxtaposition, expanding students' understanding of artistic expression. Digital Photography: Covers the creative and technical aspects of digital photography, including camera usage, image composition, and editing in Photoshop and Lightroom, with a focus on storytelling through images. Drawing and Painting: Develops skills in traditional and modern approaches using diverse materials, including charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, and oil paint, to foster a broad spectrum of artistic techniques. Digital Art: Focuses on digital image-making and graphic design, integrating tools like Procreate, Photoshop, and InDesign to build proficiency in contemporary digital practices. The Sketchbook: Explores the sketchbook as a creative practice, emphasizing collecting, researching, and documenting ideas. Includes bookmaking and zine production as methods for personal expression. Mash-Up: Encourages experimentation through copying, transforming, and combining images, utilizing collage in both 2D and 3D formats, as well as video, to explore remix culture in the 21st century. Advanced Studio Art: Creates a community-driven space for self-directed artists to pursue independent projects, fostering autonomy and collaborative critique in a studio environment.
Collaborate with teachers across disciplines to design and teach innovative projects that merge art with other fields
Examples: The Studio: A multi-grade course that brought together dedicated artists and writers in individual studio spaces, fostering cross-disciplinary inspiration and new approaches to creative work. Excavating the Self: English and Art Collaboration. Explored how artists and writers construct non-traditional self-portraits, encouraging students to investigate identity through mixed media and written expression. Revolutions!: World History and Art Project. Examined the relationship between images and historical revolutions, prompting students to create art inspired by pivotal moments in global history.
Technology Integration
Apple Certified Teacher. Designed and implemented The Remote Studio for 9th and 10th-grade arts courses, a comprehensive Distance Learning curriculum adapted for the 2020 remote spring semester and the 2020–21 school year. Integrated a one-to-one laptop program within the art curriculum, utilizing tools like portfolio websites, blogging, and slide shares to enhance student engagement and documentation.
Advising and Club Leadership
Co-leader of a creative advisory group. Lead group meetings, one on ones with students, and communicate with parents. Oversee a variety of rotating student clubs, including Open Studio Club, Print Club, Photography Club, and Fashion Magazine Club, fostering creative exploration and community outside of class.
Visual Arts Teacher, Upper School, Maternity Leave Position, Beaver Country Day School, Chestnut Hill, MA, 2012-13
Developed and taught a range of art courses for grades 9–12 across skill levels and media
Drawing Lab: Focused on observation skills and thematic projects to build foundational drawing techniques and conceptual exploration. Mash-Up: Emphasized mixed media and abstraction, encouraging students to experiment with various materials and develop personal visual languages. Senior Studio: An advanced, independent studio course for seniors that culminates in a final exhibition in the school gallery, showcasing student-driven work. Media and Message: A visual literacy and digital photography course co-taught with visual arts faculty, covering digital photography, image composition, and Photoshop skills.
Technology Integration
Incorporated a one-to-one laptop program within the art curriculum, using tools such as student portfolio websites, blogging, and slide shares to enhance digital engagement and documentation.
Advising
Led weekly advisory meetings and maintained open communication with parents to support student growth and development.
Visual Arts Teacher, Middle and Upper School, The Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn, NY, 2011-12
Designed and taught a range of art courses for grades 8–12 across skill levels and media
8th Grade Visual Art: Introduced students to foundational materials and methods. 9th-grade Painting and Drawing: Developed skills in traditional and modern approaches using standard drawing materials and acrylic painting. Art History: European, from Cave Painting to Pop. Co-taught Middle School Mixed Media: Encouraged students to experiment with various materials within printmaking, collage, and drawing.
Art Teacher, Museum of Modern Art, NYC, NY, 2010
In the Making: Art Intensive Classes for Teens
Co-taught Beyond Pink and Blue: A co-taught course exploring various ways gender plays a role in Contemporary Art and Art-making using the museum as a textbook. BodyBuilding: A sculpture-based course looking at how artists address the figure and self-portraits throughout Art History utilizing the museum.
Post-Secondary Teaching Experience
Visiting Instructor, Foundations Department, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA, 2009
Designed and taught original curriculum for Visual Language 1: A Foundation Art class for incoming freshmen introducing students to conceptual approaches to ideas and art-making and incorporating Digital Media into studio practices. Mentor: Mentored one graduate teaching assistant.
Visiting Assistant Professor, Art Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 2008-09
Designed and taught original curriculum for Drawing, Watercolor, and Painting. Mentor: Mentored 3 graduate teaching assistants and met regularly with painting graduate students to critique work.
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Art Department, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids IA, 2004-05
Designed and taught original curriculum for Drawing 1, Painting 1 and 2, and Art Appreciation: Introduction to Art History and Art Practices.
Lecturer, Art Department, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT, 2003-04
Designed and taught original curriculum for 2D Design Foundations: a first-year required class for art majors introducing them to the elements and principles and Drawing Workshop: a life drawing seminar.
Presentations at Professional Conferences
National Art Education Association Conference, Minneapolis, MN, 2024
On-Site: Artist and the Environment, Howard, K. Pollack, C.
Teaching for Experience Symposium, The Master's School, Dobbs Ferry NY, 2016
Introduction to Creative Process, Howard, K. Pollack, C.
Related Experience
Painting Technician, New York Studio School, NY, NY, 2006-08
Visitor Services Associate, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL, 2005
Museum Guard, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, NY, 2002-03
Studio Assistant, John F. Simon, Jr., Artist, NY, NY, 2001-03
Intern, Printed Matter, NY, NY, 2000