Teaching Philosophy
As an art educator, I believe the art room should function as a sanctuary for self-discovery, emotional regulation, and personal identity. Drawing from my background in studio painting and an exploring interest in the intersection of art and emotional wellness, my curriculum is designed to help students navigate their worlds by externalizing their inner narratives.
In my teaching practice—including my experience instructing middle school art in Florida—I actively design project frameworks that invite students to explore who they are. In my 3D courses, projects like "The Layered Narrative" cardboard relief sculpture allow students to literally build and layer their personal histories. In my 2D courses, projects such as "The Inner Silhouette" and targeted portraiture studies challenge students to master technical proportion while simultaneously investigating self-image and personal expression.
My goal is to foster a structured, inclusive community where students do not just learn how to manipulate mediums, but learn how to use art as a lifelong tool for reflection, processing, and mental health well-being.
Clay Animal Projects
The Layered Narrative
The Inner World Silhouette
Community Engagement & Leadership
Program Mentor & Alumna | Hear/d Art Residency, AUArts (2018 – 2020)
Selected to serve as a professional mentor for a campus-wide residency focused on student mental health, wellness, and collaborative art-making.
Partnered with residency coordinators to facilitate student cohorts, expanding the program's scope and duration to double its impact over a six-month period.
Guided student artists through the process of conceptualizing, creating, and executing meaningful visual art centered on personal identity and emotional well-being.
Program Founder & Facilitator | Wood's Homes Youth Mental Health Services (2020)
Developed and executed a formal business proposal to establish an adaptive, volunteer-led therapeutic art program for children, youth, and families navigating mental health needs.
Spearheaded independent fundraising campaigns and actively pursued grant and scholarship funding to secure materials and longevity for the program.
Designed and instructed multi-medium art curricula—including drawing, acrylic painting, sculpture, and ceramics—focused on building social connections, fostering a sense of personal accomplishment, and introducing healthy coping mechanisms through the creative process.
Emily Elizabeth Creasey
Orlando, Florida | 1 (689) 273-0181 | emilyelizabethcreasey@gmail.com
nicehotpink.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyelizabethmelaugh/
Professional Summary
Florida-certified Art Educator and BFA-trained artist with classroom experience in the Orange County Public School system. Proven expertise in middle school curriculum design, classroom management, and student mentorship. Highly adaptable professional seeking to leverage creative problem-solving and instructional skills to foster a structured, supportive, and identity-driven art studio environment.
Certifications and Licenses
Florida Temporary Educator Certificate (DOE: 1512088) | Subject: Art (K-12)
Status: Valid through 2029; currently completing requirements for Full Professional Certificate.
First Aid Certification | Basic First Aid - Level A CPR and AED
Status: Renewal in progress (Previous validity through Feb 2026).
Teaching & Instructional Experience
Art Teacher | Corner Lake Middle School (Orange County Public Schools) | Aug 2025 – May 2026
Instructed three distinct course sections: 2D Art 1, 2D Art 2, and 3D Art 1, scaffolding foundational techniques from color wheel theory to three-dimensional design.
Developed and executed comprehensive, conceptually driven art curricula emphasizing technical skills, self-reflection, and art history.
Designed and implemented core identity-focused student projects, including "The Inner Silhouette" (2D portraiture/proportion studies), "The Layered Narrative" (3D cardboard relief sculptures), and "Caricature Portraits".
Fostered a safe, inclusive, and productive studio environment through proactive classroom management, differentiated instruction, and IEP/504 accommodations.
Prepared and curated student artwork for the Winter Arts Showcase, managing high-quality project outcomes including advanced black-and-white grisaille paintings, Aurora Borealis oil pastel drawings, and papier-mâché sculptures.
Substitute Teacher | Duval County Schools (ESS) — Jacksonville, FL | Dec 2023 – May 2024
Supervised students across various K-12 school environments to ensure safety, minimize distractions, and maintain classroom order.
Implemented provided lesson plans to maintain educational consistency and academic momentum during primary teacher absences.
Educational Leadership & Community Arts
Peer Mentor & Alumna (Hear/d Residency) | Alberta University of the Arts | Nov 2019 – Feb 2020
Coached and mentored undergraduate student cohorts in utilizing visual art as a therapeutic tool to navigate personal challenges, self-image, and emotional well-being.
Orchestrated a formal gallery exhibition for 10 resident students, managing theme development, project installation, and opening logistics.
Facilitated daily agenda meetings, mindfulness activities, and group critique sessions to build a collaborative creative community.
Program Founder & Volunteer Facilitator | Wood’s Homes — Calgary, AB | Jan 2020 – March 2020
Authored a formal program proposal and facilitated adaptive creative workshops for youth navigating mental health and special needs (ages 8–14).
Engaged youth in discussions regarding emotions and healthy coping mechanisms by exploring diverse materials, including acrylic paint, clay, sketching, and found-object sculpture.
Additional Professional Experience
Service Team Member | Michaels — Calgary, AB | Jan 2025 – June 2025
Managed inventory accuracy, shipment processing, and efficient stock replenishment.
Executed seasonal resets and creative promotional displays according to visual planograms.
Seasonal Keyholder | Manitobah Mukluks — Calgary, AB | Aug 2024 – Feb 2025
Provided floor leadership and team mentorship while managing opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and store security protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fine Arts – Painting | Alberta College of Art and Design (AUArts) | May 2020
Associate of Arts (AA) | Florida State College at Jacksonville | 2015
Core Competencies
Instructional Expertise: Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Differentiated Instruction, IEP/504 Accommodation, Student Assessment, Studio Safety.
Technical Art Skills: 2D Design, Drawing (Graphite, Charcoal, Oil Pastel), Painting (Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor), Ceramics & Dimensional Sculpture, Digital Layout (Photoshop/Illustrator), Exhibition Curation.