ART TEACHER

The question of what is art is fascinating because art can mean something
different for each individual. I believe art is about your personal experience
with it and the meaning you take from it, it doesn’t have to be beautiful or
perfect, it just has to be created.

“Art has the role in education of helping children become like
themselves instead of more like everyone else.”

-Sydeney Gurewitz Clemens

My mission as an art educator is to create a positive and genuine learning
experience for them, a place for the students to build confidence and feel
comfortable enough to experiment with new materials and techniques. I
will encourage my students to use art as a tool for exploring concepts and
ideas, giving them more confidence as an artist and as an individual.

Hi! I’m Ellen Ferro, an art teacher who absolutely loves what I do. Teaching art is my
second career, but it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be. I started out in graphic
design, working for firms on Long Island and even running my own wedding invitation
business (super fun!), but nothing has felt as fulfilling as being in the classroom.

Right now, I teach middle and high school—digital photography, printmaking, and 6th-
grade art. It’s been a year of learning curves, but every day reminds me why I made
the switch. I’m laid-back, patient, and all about creating a space where students feel
encouraged to explore and create.

• Outside of school, I’m a wife and a mom to two awesome kids. Life is busy, creative,
  and exactly how I like it!

About Me

What is Art?

"The teacher's attitude sets the tone for the class. If you as the teacher are not excited
about what you are teaching, how can your students be excited or even interested?"

–Adrienne D. Hunter and Beverly H. Jones

A simple but effective message. Sometimes, we can easily forget why we started teaching, and
this is a great reminder. We should teach things we are enthusiastic about so that it creates a
positive and engaging learning environment. This quote resonates with the principle that a
teacher's attitude is contagious; if we are showing excitement in the subject matter, our
students will likely absorb that energy and become excited about learning, too.

In my teaching, I am committed to embracing this philosophy. My attitude toward the subject
matter is a powerful tool for motivating students. I am determined to convey my passion for
art in my lessons, incorporating my love for technology, graphic design, drawing, painting, and
ceramics, as well as creating collaborations within the school. This approach will create a more
engaging classroom environment and foster my students' eagerness to learn and create art. I
can have a lasting positive impact on my students' journey in art.

Teaching Philosophy

Fine Art

GRAPHIC DESIGN

WEDDING INVITATIONS

cherry blossom collage painting

K-2

Students create a fun spring time collage using various materials and techniques.

Summer Fun Ice Cream Cones with model magic

K-2

Students use a variety of materials to create a collage using rubbing plates, crayons, air dry model magic, buttons, sprinkles, and
paint pens. See student artwork below.

monet’s garden

1st Grade

Students will learn about new watercolor techniques using oil pastel's and watercolor. Students will also learn about famous artist
Claude Monet and his impact on art.

Alien invasion

2nd Grade

Students explore new watercolor techniques to create galaxy-themed paintings. Incorporating a personal touch, they integrate a
photo of themselves into their artwork, making each piece uniquely meaningful while experimenting with color blending, layering, and
texture.

succulent plants

5th Grade

In collaboration with the librarian, students designed and 3D-printed custom plant pots, then brought their creations to life in the art
room by sculpting miniature succulents from air-dry Model Magic. Through this project, they explored new sculpting techniques while
blending technology and traditional art to create unique, handmade plant displays.

Graffiti Names

6th Grade

In this multi-step lesson, students design their names in a bold graffiti-style font. They begin by creating a textured brick background
using acrylic paints and sponges, then bring their lettering to life with Sharpie markers and colored pencils, focusing on value and
contrast. Throughout the process, they explore shading techniques and depth creation, enhancing both their artistic skills and
understanding of graffiti as an art form.

PERSPECTIVE NAME DRAWING

7th/8th Grade

In this multi-step lesson, students design their names in a bold graffiti-style font. They begin by creating a textured brick background
using acrylic paints and sponges, then bring their lettering to life with Sharpie markers and colored pencils, focusing on value and
contrast. Throughout the process, they explore shading techniques and depth creation, enhancing both their artistic skills and
understanding of graffiti as an art form.

Your World

Digital Photography, High School

• Students explore the work of artist Elliott Erwitt, learning how to capture candid yet intentional photographs. Inspired by his
  approach, they will take five photographs that reflect their daily lives, developing their ability to tell visual stories through
  composition, timing, and perspective.

ERASER PRINTS

Printmaking, High School

As a class, students will collaborate to create a custom alphabet, with each student assigned one or two letters to carve from small
rubber erasers. Once the alphabet is complete, they will use watercolor palettes, gel pens, markers, and other materials to design
backgrounds. Finally, they will stamp a name or an inspirational word using the class-created alphabet.