Rachel S. Spall

Artist/Art Educator

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

ac7k84@r.postjobfree.com

203-***-****

After staying at home to raise my four children for the past 23 years, I am excited to return to the workforce. During my time at home I have continued to hone my creative skills, developing my personal artwork style. I am eager to share my knowledge and skill set with others in a classroom setting.

I found art teaching to be very rewarding. The experience of sharing art technique, history, and aesthetic criticism with young students made my spirit alive. Watching them try new media, encouraging their explorations, and interacting with them daily are aspects of that position that I still cherish, even after the lapse of so much time.

Being an at-home mother has allowed me to have parallel experiences with my four children. Now that they are older, finding their own paths, I feel the desire to continue teaching others about the joys of artistic expression. The passion is meant to be shared. Authorized to work in the US for any employer

Work Experience

Substitute Teacher

Edustaff - Ann Arbor, MI

October 2017 to Present

In the fall of 2017 I completed substitute teacher training with EDUstaff. I am approved to substitute in the Ann Arbor, Dexter, and Whitmore Lake, MI school districts. I began substituting in the Spring of 2018 and will continue through the 2018-2019 school year, or until I am hired in a permanent position within the field of art.

Contract Artist/Art Instructor

The Tiny Cricket - Ann Arbor, MI

2015 to Present

During this time period I have been creating custom-order artwork and have taught art classes as an independent contractor. I have also continued to create my own personal artwork in many media, both 2-D and 3-D.

Artist/Owner

The Tiny Cricket - Ann Arbor, MI

October 2014 to Present

The Tiny Cricket evolved from the home studio that I created as I raised my four children over the past 23 years. I currently specialize in dioramas and fiber-related art pieces that feature whimsical visions of nature. My finished work is available for sale on Etsy. I have participated as a vendor in Ann Arbor's Sunday Artisan Market, Kerrytown's Kindlefest, and both Christmas and Mothers' Day Markets at U of M's Matthei Botanical Gardens.

Custom Book Binder

Bessenberg Press - Dexter, MI

September 2012 to December 2012

I worked part-time doing the handwork and assembly of signatures of hand bound books. In this department I had exposure to conservation and restoration work on vintage and heirloom books and texts. This temporary position filled the need for keeping up with the company work load at that time. Art Teacher

West York School District - York, PA

August 1991 to November 1995

I taught students in grades 9 through 12 in a variety of levels of Drawing and Painting courses, as well as Sculpture 1. I was constantly creating displays of the work of my students throughout the school. I guided senior students through portfolio preparation. I submitted student artwork for competition in the

Scholastic Art Awards, with one student's winning of a Gold Key Award. I worked closely with others in the Arts and Humanities Department each Spring as we set up and conducted our annual Arts Festival. Additionally I was advisor to an extracurricular art club. Education

MA, unfinished, in Art Education

Towson University - Towson, MD

1992 to 1994

BS in Art Education

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania - Edinboro, PA 1987 to 1990

Skills

Drawing, Fiber Arts, Teaching, Sculpture, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail, Basic Computer Skills, Lesson Planning, Evaluating Student Artwork, Painting, Ceramics Certifications/Licenses

PA State Teacher's Certification

1991 to January 1997

Instructional 1 Certificate

Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate, Secondary, Visual Arts Education (LQ) K-12

October 2018 to June 2023

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED

September 2018 to September 2019

Groups

Ann Arbor Women Artists

July 2017 to Present

Additional Information

Skills

Accomplished in a Variety of Art Media: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Fiber Arts, Jewelry, Printmaking, Stained Glass, Ceramics/Pottery. Basic Computer Skills. Community Volunteer - Girl Scout Leader, Brookfield, CT. Small Business Owner - The Tiny Cricket. Organizational Skills. Detail-Oriented. Capable in the use of Power Tools. Experience in Matting and Framing. Experience in Shipping Artwork. Experience in Creating Artwork Displays. Communication Skills. Links

https://instagram.com/thetinycricket

https://linkedin.com/in/rachel-spall-2ba66812a

https://www.etsy.com/people/thetinycricket