Lesley Ptacek

Portage, Michigan | Please use the Contact section of website

OBJECTIVE
To obtain an art teaching position, offering differentiated instruction and establishing a safe
environment in order to enable each individual student to become a life-long learner and creator.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education | December 2016
Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan
Major: Art Education | Minor: English: Secondary Education
Associate of Arts | May 2008
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, Michigan
CERTIFICATIONS (ANTICIPATED)
Michigan Provisional Certification: K-12 Art Education; 6-12 English (LQ, BA)
CPR & First Aid
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Paw Paw Middle School | Paw Paw, Michigan
Intern Art Teacher
October December 2016
Instructed and assessed 150 students in grades 6 through 8 to produce 2 and 3 dimensional artworks in
order to demonstrate knowledge in a variety of art media. Modified assignments and assessments for
students with Individualized Education Programs. Developed and implemented art curricula that
integrated other core academic subjects while growing students visual vocabularies. Utilized iPad
applications to expand upon student learning and engagement.
Paw Paw Early & Later Elementary | Paw Paw, Michigan
Intern Art Teacher
September October 2016
Taught art techniques and concepts to 900 students in grades Kindergarten through 5 that aligned with
Michigans State Benchmarks and Standards. Incorporated interdisciplinary aspects into art lessons that
enhanced learning toward academic goals. Implemented research based strategies for classroom
management and developing spatial reasoning and fine motor skills.
Young Rembrandts | Portage, Michigan
Art Teacher
2013, 2014
Conducted classes with 20 children, ages 5 through 10, in basic artistic skills in order to keep them
engaged and inquiring about the arts. Facilitated learning of concrete ideas and techniques that
enriched students imaginations and minds.

Saturday Morning Art WMU | Kalamazoo, Michigan

Pre-Intern Art Teacher
2013, 2014
Co-planned and co-taught classes of 25 students ages 7 through 11 in the visual arts. Enriched curricula
with gallery visits and Visual Thinking Strategies to expand global awareness and initiate creative
thinking. Organized and installed gallery exhibition of student work.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Accretive Health | Kalamazoo, Michigan
Office Assistant
April 2010 - present
Processed clerical inquiries regarding patient queries and medical insurance billing. Trained associates in
various computer programs and accounting practices in order to streamline call center operations.
Managed team members to ensure high levels of patient satisfaction and balance resolution.
Blockbuster Video | Kalamazoo, Michigan
Assistant Store Manager
February 2005 May 2010
Supervised and scheduled staff in a high volume retail store, focusing on exceptional customer service.
Motivated team in order to maintain a clean and profitable establishment. Managed cash handling
practices, inventory, general organization, and goal implementation storewide.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & HONORS
Member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and Michigan Art Education
Association (MAEA) 2010 present
Attendee of MAEA Annual Conference 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and NAEA Annual Conference
2014, 2015, 2016
Ruth G. Wintermyer Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Art Education | 2016
Portage Rotary Club Scholarship | 2004
ART EXHIBITIONS
Group multimedia installation in Art Prize | Grand Rapids, Michigan 2013
Printmedia installation in group printmaking exhibition: Unexpected Repetition | Kalamazoo,
Michigan 2013
Photograph in juried group exhibition: WMU Annual Student Exhibition | Kalamazoo, Michigan
2010
Solo photography exhibition in Kalamazoos Art Hop | Kalamazoo, Michigan 2006
Group printmaking exhibition: Pulchritude | Kalamazoo, Michigan 2002

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google classroom, Synergy, Prezi, various photo editing programs,
document cameras, and projectors.