Students show us their individuality each day. It is vital that we harness that individuality and allow students to explore it through creativity. As an educator, I have learned the importance of taking a deeper look into the various factors that can influence a student’s ability to learn. With the many challenges students face today, the need to adapt our classroom learning environment to suit their needs has become increasingly clear. Utilizing the multiple intelligences theory in my instruction has allowed my students to yield more thoughtful responses regarding their engagement in learning, while using their creativity to demonstrate their knowledge. Identifying and adjusting to the many different learning styles in the classroom is a practice that I instill into every lesson. It is in my experience that creativity reveals the greatest potential in every student.
I graduated with an Associate Degree in Visual Communications from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, a Bachelor’s of Science from Point Park University, and a Master’s in Art Education from Carlow University. Currently, I am the instructor of Visual Arts at The Neighborhood Academy in the city of Pittsburgh. Prior to this, I have taught Visual Communications at CCAC and Point Park University. In previous years, I also have taught at numerous High School Technical schools for nearly 12 years. When I’m not keeping busy with teaching, I enjoy working as a freelance Graphic Artist and Illustrator. I currently reside in Indiana Township, PA with wife Amy, daughter Olivia, and dogs Maxx and Zeke.
- Joe Roenker
ronkartist@gmail.com
