I chose the MAT program after a lot of research, including connecting with the directors of each of the programs where I received an offer of admission. Maine College of Art & Design was the only one that gave me the sense that they were not only able to accommodate my requests, but excited to be flexible with their program so it could give me the experience I was hoping for. My decision was validated after joining the program and seeing all my classmates have the individualized experiences they were hoping for as well.
The Nigerians fully embraced my student teaching position for their elementary art program in Lagos. They loved having me as much as I loved being there. Teaching in West Africa certainly came with some challenges—like the heat, food, and navigating expectations in another country—but it was an invaluable experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I was working mostly with first to fourth graders and they were rambunctious and full of creativity. One of the best lessons I did was an art exchange with students of the same age back in the United States. They learned so much about each other’s cultures and had so much fun that I’ve always included it in my curriculums since. The intensive nature of the MAT program gave me the confidence to tackle any teaching profession.
Since finishing the MAT program, I chose to teach at a high school in Oregon. I teach some studio art classes and am the chair of the Digital Media and Design program, which is a program I won a grant over 100K to build from scratch. I am completing my CTE certification that allows me to take classes and fly to conferences. Additionally, I teach art history at a local college and sit on their digital media board.