Chelsea's Background
Personal Profile
I’m a passionate, classically trained artist and art educator with over fourteen years of experience inspiring students to think critically, create fearlessly, and connect meaningfully through visual art. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, I firmly believe in the transformative power of education.
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I’ve taught art at both the elementary and high school levels, with the majority of my career spent teaching high school in Gwinnett County Public Schools, where I’ve had the privilege of helping students grow as artists, thinkers, and individuals.
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This year, I was deeply honored to be named the 2027 Teacher of the Year, a recognition that reflects not only my passion for art but also my dedication to creating inclusive and creative learning spaces. My classroom is a community built on curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection—where every student’s story matters. My teaching philosophy centers on cultivating creativity, confidence, and community—empowering students to see themselves as artists with voices that matter.

Education
2018-2019
Piedmont University
Educational Specialist Degree
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Completed advanced graduate work in instructional leadership, curriculum innovation, and art education research. Studies emphasized cultivating creative confidence, supporting inclusive learning environments, and developing sustainable, student-centered art programs.
2015-2017
University of Florida
Master of Arts in Art Education (M.A.)
Earned a graduate degree from a leading Research I institution with a focus on qualitative research methods in art education. Coursework and thesis work emphasized reflective practice, visual culture, and the development of meaningful, student-centered learning in the arts.
2008-2012
The University of Georgia
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Completed a rigorous studio-based program requiring extensive coursework across drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. The program emphasized both artistic mastery and pedagogical foundations, preparing graduates to teach with technical expertise and creative confidence.

