Mrs. Betterley ~ Secondary Visual Arts Teacher



“I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it's true I'm here, and I'm just as strange as you.” -Frida Kahlo, world renowned artist
 
In 2013, Mrs. Betterley received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth graduating with Magna Cum Laude Latin Honors. During her four years of study she interned with the Tweed Museum of Art, held the role of the Art Education Club President and studied abroad pursuing her student teaching experience at Danila Kumar International School in Ljubljana, Slovenia. She finished serving her high school student teaching experience at Osseo Senior High, one of Minnesota's largest school districts. Directly out of college she began her first year teaching visual arts at North View Junior High in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Since 2014, Mrs. Betterley has been serving a high school teaching position at North Woods with St. Louis County Schools. Currently, she teaches Drawing & Printmaking, Sculpture I & II, Drawing & Painting, Elements & Principles of Design and Foundations in Art. Ms. For more information please visit Mrs. Betterley's curriculum website at www.northwoodsmnart.weebly.com  

Mrs. Betterley's teaching philosophy is split into three categories of teaching:
 
Building Identity
Using art to better understand who we are in presence, personality,  thoughts, culture, relationship and education. 
Building a Voice
Using art as a tool to share personal stories and ideas within the community to educate, inform, and advocate. 

Building International/Cultural Mindedness
Using art to better understand the world and the people in it both historically, culturally, and through an open-minded lens
 
Students are always expected to do their creations to the best of their ability. Although they may not choose a profession in the arts, the skills gained prepare all students for international mindedness, culture awareness, integrity, creative problem solving, and identity exploration. Natural ability helps, but is not necessary to feel successful. There are two main components to Mrs. Betterley's art curriculum: Basic skills and knowledge development (this includes the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, art history, criticism, and anesthetics) and creativity (problem solving). Skills can be learned and enhanced by practice to varying results. Creativity or problem solving is a higher level thinking skill which every profession requires to be successful.  Mrs. Betterley's philosophy is that everyone is an artist and their voice can always be heard through the artwork created. Her goal is to educate youth to keep these gained skills throughout life. 
 

Contact: Mrs. Betterley