About The Teacher

NAME: Ms. Coburn

SCHOOL: Spring Wood Middle School

CLASS: Middle School Art

CLASSROOM DIRECT: 630-894-4101


About The Teacher

I have been teaching in District #20 since 1978.  I taught elementary art at 
Waterbury for eight years and began teaching at Spring Wood Middle School 
in 1986. I am a graduate of Grand Valley State University in Michigan, with a 
degree in Applied Art and Art History. I have also studied at the Art 
Institute of Chicago. In addition to teaching art,I am an illustrator and 
painter. I hold a master's degree, M.A.T., 2011 from Aurora University.

Overall Objectives

I have high expectations for my students and this is something I share with 
them at the onset of the course.  A main objective I have for students is 
that they learn to think divergently, putting things together in a new way.  
This is the creative process.  In aligning our curriculum with the state and 
national standards for art education, students will become familiar with the 
Elements and Principles of Art, as well as  have experiences in the various 
art forms and medias. The Common Core standards are also being incorporated 
into the art curriculum and are a work in progess. Art history is taught at 
the 7th grade level, with units for sixth and eighth in the process of 
development.  Sixth grade will study the art of the 18th century, 7th grade 
will study the art of the 19th century (Impressionism), and the 8th grade 
will study the art of the 20th century.  Students are encouraged to self-
assess their artwork through writing and group critiques. Students use a 
Visual Diary - a sketchbook and journal combined.  They are encouraged to 
work in this weekly, and to respond in writing to their art.  Finally, I 
strive to have a visually pleasing and fun environment - a place where 
students are encouraged 
to create freely.