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Kitty Conde
Hi, My name is Kitty Conde. I have been teaching art for 22 years here at Ravenswood. When I came to Ravenswood there was no art program. I am proud of Ravenswood and all we have accomplished in the Arts. I have two children who both attended Ravenswood from Kindergarten to eighth grade. They flourished in the rich arts environment here. I studied art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There I learned a great deal about painting, drawing, film , photography, bookbinding, ceramic, sculpture ... read more and time arts. I am Nationally Board Certified teacher and I won the Illinois Art educator award. I have been a finalist for the Golden Apple Award twice. My classroom is designed to develop autonomy with my students. The studios are available to all the students as they open throughout the year. Students keep sketchbooks and develop their own ideas. My room is a combination of influences, from Reggio Emilia of Italy, to T.A.B. Teaching for Artistic Behavior, and The Eight Studio Habits of Mind by Lois Hetland.
I want to share a poem I wrote about my educational philosophy.
So where does one go to find the origins of their educational belief,
I realize I stole it from my life experiences like a common thief.
My ideas are simple and clear,
Make learning connect to something held dear.
Give choices so that students will own their own learning
Go to work with a light in your soul that is burning.
Know each child as if she were you own,
Be sure to take the time to enjoy what you have sown.
Believe that each child can learn
They just need to know what to earn
There are many media that make learning come alive
The arts and technology are crucial to help kids survive
Be sure to give yourself time to grow
To boast your spirits when you feel low.
Travel and laugh and have friends at school.
For teachers this is the best tool.
So what does this all mean to me?
That life is what I want it to be.
From each part of life I have to take
A little bit on my learning for teaching's sake.
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