from Carlisle School — Carlisle, Massachusetts

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Biography

In working the past 19 years in Carlisle as an K-8 art educator, I have learned to laugh at myself, as well as partake in the joy and pleasure a student may experience during the creative process. Although I feel confident in my ability to teach art history, skills and techniques to children, it is important for me to be constantly in touch with new art education methods concerning the visual art curriculum, pedagogy, and special education.
My motivation to become an elementary art teacher has stemmed from my enthusiasm for children and the artwork they produce. Being an artist myself, I am constantly inspired by the freshness and spontaneity of the work of my students. Children are able to feel a cathartic experience in the visual art process, and therefore it is important for me to expose students to a wide range of tactile materials and techniques. For many of them it may be the first time using a particular art medium, which can be exciting, and for some, a bit overwhelming. It is important for me to keep a relaxed, calm classroom environment where students are free to observe, experiment and investigate.
As an art educator I feel privileged to introduce something new and exciting so that each student make take a sense of pride in the work they produce. Seeing sparks fly with creativity and fresh ideas emerging from a child gives me a sense of joy and accomplishment. For these reasons alone, I could not envision myself pursuing any other profession than teaching visual art to children.

For the past 19 years Rachel Levy has been teaching visual art in Carlisle, MA to students in grades K-5 as well as running both an elementary and middle school art club. Along with teaching, Mrs. Levy is a working artist who has exhibited her paintings in cities such as Boston, New York, and her home town of Cleveland, Ohio. She lives in Maynard with her husband Fred, her sons Geoffrey and Isaac, and her dogs Iggy and Jack-Jack.

You can contact Mrs. Levy at rlevy@carlisle.k12.ma.us

Personal Art Gallery