In 2016, I stepped into the role of Career and Technical Educator at our local high school. I began with three courses—Graphic Design, Yearbook, and Web Page Design—and quickly saw the potential to build something much bigger for our students. Over the years, I’ve grown that small start into a full Media Design & Communications Pathway that now includes: Graphic Design, Web Design, Interactive Media, Audio/Video Production, Photo Imaging, Journalism, Game Design, Graphic Design Workplace Experience, and Advanced Media Design and Production.

The samples below represent projects created by students throughout the years.

Until recently, all of my courses were entry-level, so my primary instructional goal has been to give students a strong foundation in design and technology. I want them to leave my room better prepared for college-level work—and just as importantly, with a clearer sense of whether this field is a future they want to pursue.

My classroom runs on a full Mac computer lab using the complete Adobe Creative Suite, allowing students to work with professional tools and workflows. Last year, we launched our first Game Design course, and a group of eight upperclassmen developed a fully functional 3D game—an incredible achievement for a first-year program.

At the core of my teaching philosophy is high expectation paired with high support. My students know that excellence matters in this room—and as I like to remind them, “I don’t let crap leave my room.” It’s said with humor, but it’s the standard they rise to year after year.

Class Projects

Doodle fro Google Competition

Superhero T-shirt Designs

Packaging

Create a Font Project

Font Faces

GoDot / Github Game Design