Art Educator Rookie of the Year
Kevlyn Walsh During her time as a student teacher at Westerly Creek Elementary, Kevlyn Walsh demonstrated a high aptitude for the many complex layers and tasks of teaching art including: self-discipline to manage planning and other school-life demands, differentiation and support for students with autism, active monitoring of student work during lessons, supply and materials management, as well as a restorative justice approach to behavior management and student discipline. In addition to her strong work ethic, she is described as having an exuberant energy that is felt by all who are graced by her presence.
Right after student teaching ended, Kevlyn took her first job at Stedman Elementary as a long-term substitute. Its always difficult starting a job in the middle of the school year, but it was exceptionally challenging at Stedman because of its low-income and high needs student population. But Kevlyn put her heart and soul into the position knowing that it would only last one semester. Kevlyn remains committed to providing the best possible art education for her students. Currently, Kevlyn teaches at the Denver Center for International Studies. Even on trying days with middle school students, Kevlyn always has a positive outlook on the potential of her students and her own abilities to problem solve. During her first six-week teaching at DCIS, Kevlyn was offered the opportunity to serve as the Tour Leader and take 15 students abroad to London. She accepted the offer with enthusiasm and even traveled to Rome for a professional development to learn more about how to be an effective tour leader with students abroad. Kevlyn is fearless when face with new, unfamiliar opportunities and approaches everything with a growth mindset. The projects that students are involved in are creative; and she always allows some flexibility and choice. This builds in buy-in from students and is one reason why students are so engaged in her class. Another reason for such high engagement is her enthusiasm for the work and her passion for the kids. Her love of art and kids is palpable when you enter her classroom. Assistant Principal, Mario Fiardello, reflects, “She is an outstanding teacher, contributor to our culture, and goes above and beyond the duties of a teacher… she is a mentor and advocate. We would not be the same school without Kevlyn’s passion and enthusiasm. We are better because she is here.” Barth Quenzer, Visual Arts Instructional Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools, concludes, “In working with Kevlyn this year, I became aware that something uniquely special was occurring got this new teacher. Not only was she highly present and participatory with the professional learning in the district, she provided evidence of a highly reflective teaching style. This type of meta-reflection on the teaching process is not common among first and second year teachers. For a new teacher to be participating in the type of professional dialogue that encourages reflective strategies (for the purpose of improving one’s pedagogy), well that is unique. I have no doubt that Kevlyn will become a future teacher leader in the field of art education.”
Rookie of the Year
15