Resume

Julie Cousins

2060 Scharr Circle • Reno, Nevada • 89509 • (775) 786-3206

Objective: Seeking secondary teaching position in Art, focusing on imagination, creativity and problem solving in an enthusiastic learning environment to positively impact students, giving them skills for life.

Introduction: I am seeking a position as a secondary art teacher in WCSD. I have traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, the South of France and Morocco and bring the spirit of multiculturalism into all of my classes. My colorful background is full of art history, museums and an interest in people. I love learning and teaching, analyzing and creating.

I believe that schools play an important part in the community and plan to be involved in art activities that encompass Reno, including the learning/arts community and families.

Philosophy: I will facilitate students’ progress in developing their awareness, appreciation and artistic perceptions while recognizing the interrelationships of art and language, creativity, production/skill and evaluative judgment pertaining to the aesthetics of environment and works of art.

Certification: License, State of Nevada

Education:

• December 2008: First time licensure; MEd, Secondary Art
• December 2004: BA, Painting and Printmaking; minor in Anthropology/Museum studies; University of Nevada, Reno; Honor Society member; Phi Kappa Phi
• 1987: International Pastry Arts Center, Elmsford, New York
• 1979-1981: Undergraduate work in Painting/Textile Design; Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, Tennessee
• 1974-1979: Printmaking/Fiber; Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
• 1973: Codrington High School, St. John, Barbados, West Indies

Teaching Experience:

• Spring 2008: Reed High School, Sparks, NV; 9th-12th grade Art - Foundations in Art, Beginning Painting, Crafts; Lead Teacher-Amber Urioste
• Spring 2008: Swope Middle School, Reno, NV; 7th-8th grade Art - Drawing human features, Perspective and geometric drawings, Painting and Printmaking; Scholastic art competition submissions - photography; Created stimulating lesson plans and engaged students in activities; Provided one-on-one instruction with students to encourage better understanding; Participated as proctor in CRT testing; Managed WCSD computer software to generate reports on Ed-Line, SASI and EZ Grade Pro; Attended staff meetings and PLCs; Established strong relationships with faculty members and utilized educational tools available; Individualized instruction for different leveled-students; Incorporated multiple teaching models into instruction while maintaining lead teacher’s curriculum goals; Maintained classroom management and modeled a positive attitude
• August-November 2006: Sun Valley Elementary; Long Term Substitute, Grade 5, General Education; Handled all the duties of the regular teacher including report cards and parent-teacher meetings
• 2002 to the present: WCSD; Substitute Teacher; Gained classroom management skills and teaching experience

Goals:

• I would like to see the arts education aligned in WCSD for all students to have the same transferable skills featuring the principles and elements of art as the standard of arts literacy in our school district.
• I want to employ technology into lesson plans and include contemporary artists into our art history while recognizing media as a large part of our visual culture.
• I also want to engage students in their rich local culture of the Great Basin and the visual traditions that exist from rock art to desert landscapes to Basque tree carvings and Washoe Indians’ weavings.

Employment History:

• 2006-Present: Free-lance writer, Hot August Nights PR Director
• 2005: Reno Radio Representatives, Americom Radio, Sales & Copy Writer
• 1993-2005: Peppermill Casinos Inc, Food & Beverage Dept
• 2000: Washoe County Tax Dept, Data entry

Special Interests:

• I am an enthusiastic painter, printmaker and ceramic sculptor with an interest in SRL digital photography.
• I have been a professional chef for many years and do volunteer community cooking.
• This summer I will intern with Ceramic artist, Fred Reid at the University of Nevada, Reno.
• I will continue painting murals with the elementary schools giving the low SES kids a chance to have some fun.

References:

• Mary Killian, Swope Middle School (775) 232-9722
• Howard Rosenberg, University of Nevada, Reno (775) 772-9261
• Jim Burke, Regional Technical Institute (775) 848407
• Amber Urioste, Reed High School (775) 287-8261
• Barbara Fenne, Galena High School (775) 997-4579
• Donn Todd, Sun Valley Elementary (775) 742-0072
• Fred Reid, University of Nevada, Reno (775) 784-4173