Subs with Suitcases

Contact

mailto: kerstin_davis@hotmail.com
phone 828-682-6043
cell 828-284-3011
Kerstin’s website

Teaching Artist Statement

Art is a language. It is a refection of our understanding of the world as we know it. Arts integration can serve as the avenue to a deeper understanding of the lessons being taught. A moment to step back from a kaleidoscope of information and assemble that information in a new way, enabling the child to a gain a personal perspective on the lesson being taught.

Areas of Interest

In regards to substitute teaching I am particularly interested in utilizing my knowledge of art history, interest in science, and expertise in many art forms to pull together a creative experience that would enrich the current curriculum. I am as excited about art materials as the children. I like the challenge of utilizing what I have on hand in my stocked suitcase to provide an exciting aristic experience that informs and inspires creative thinking in the classroom.

Availability

I’m currently working on my Master’s degree in art and education. I’m available to sub on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  Please feel free to contact me for availability.

For regular substitute teaching assignments (mostly following your lesson plan but with some art activities added in) I’m available without advance notice. For specific projects tailored to your curriculum, advance notice is ideal.

Reviews/Recommendations

“I was amazed at the confidence and enthusiasm the kids had for their own art. [. . .] I know my kids and I know that something very beautiful and very important became part of them through working with you. You truly gave them their artistic license, which will never expire.”  – Dr. Dee Bobby (parent of past student)

“Edward had a great week. I was impressed with the number and level of projects completed. Kerstin did a great job with the kids.”  – Jessie Brinkley (parent of a Kids Camp student)

Excerpts from teacher evaluations of TRAC Residencies for grades K-5
How did the residency benefit the classroom?

• “reinforced classroom skills”
• “great use of art to broaden students’ understanding of our culture”
• “She helped them see everyday things in a different light.”
• “helped them use their imagination”
• “The experience was great.”

Resume

click here to download a PDF of my resume

What’s in My Suitcase?

• watercolor paint
• straws
• thumbtacks
• brads
• reinforcers
• glue
• markers
• carbon sketch pencils
• fine point black markers
• string
• artist’s tape
• handmade color wheel
• tissue paper
• Sharpie markers
• world map
• aluminum foil
• cardstock
• hole punch
• rotating assortment of picture books
• bone folder
• exacto blade
• bandaids
• DVD of Nova special about fractals
• glue brushes
• paintbrushes
• Art Memory card game
• timeline of art history
• art reference materials
• a rubber fish
• anything else that catches my interest

What Might We Do with All This Stuff?

• If you leave me a list of vocabulary words, we might illustrate each word and post them around the room.
• If you’re studying insects, we might use the cardstock and brads to make jointed models of invented insects, using students’ knowledge of the characteristics of all insects.
• We might make prints of fish, cut them out and place them in child-painted environments.
• I might pull out a lesson on repeating patterns in nature and use the watercolor paint and straws to make branching patterns. This could be tied into the study of trees, waterways, vascular system, etc.
• If you’re studying early American history, we might use the tacks to pinprick a drawing to hang in the window.
• For a math lesson, we might transfer an image using a grid.
• For a more open-ended art experience I can teach basic drawing techniques, life drawing, nature journaling, painting, self-expression through art, etc.

What can I do if you give me a heads-up?

• If you’re studying the Middle Ages, of if you’re working on the 4th grade “Making NC Home” books, I can give a lesson in calligraphy and illumination.
• If you’re studying early humans we can make cave paintings.
• If you’re studying European history I can do a lesson on how printmaking changed the world and students can make their own prints.
• I can do a lesson springboarding off of any artist or historical period.
• I can teach students how to draw self-portraits.