I am looking forward to my second year at RJ Richey! We will be exploring the world in 2009-10, as there is so much to learn all around us through art, music, theatre, language, history, geography, math, science and technology! We are building our skills in communication through all of the disciplines--learning to think, to create, and to reflect. What an incredible opportunity we all have, me included!

My Philosophy: I believe every child is an artist and a thinker. My teaching philosophy is to create an environment that builds an appreciation for the Arts and a platform for self-expression. Each person has the ability to express creatively that which defines them as an individual. It is my role as a teacher and a facilitator to help my students connect to themselves and to others through the Arts. Arts education is the education of the whole child.

About Me! I love what I do everyday! That is probably the most important thing for anyone. I was named Teacher of the Year for RJ Richey, which really was an incredible honor. The Burnet Chamber of Commerce named me Burnet CISD Teacher of the Year 2009, a wonderful surprise! I was also thrilled to receive the Power of Art Award from the Lab School of Washington and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. This award is bestowed upon outstanding art educators who teach students with learning disabilities or difficulties. (Who is Robert Rauschenberg? www.bobrauschenberggallery.com/rauschenberg_biography.htm) I was in Washington DC for the awards--a tremendous experience. It also gave me lots of great ideas for next year!
I moved here from Houston with my family in 2007. I am married and have 4 wonderful children. I love animals--we have 4 dogs and 2 cats so it is never really quiet at our house! One of my favorite hobbies is traveling--I went to China in the spring of '08. I went to Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Canada late this summer with my family. The northwest is beautiful. If you have a chance to go, I recommend it!
I love to eat great food, and I also really care about the environment. I try to combine the two as much as possible by gardening, and growing vegetables and flowers. I think we all have a responsibility to care for what we have, and make it better for others--many of our units will incorporate a focus on nature and respect for the earth. (Take a look at the link to the Bulldog Botanical Garden!)
Prior to moving here, I taught K-5 Art at Hunters Creek Elementary in Spring Branch ISD. I had the tremendous honor of being named District Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2007. I was also a recipient of the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
I have lived in Mexico, France, Germany, England, Michigan, New York and of course, the great state of Texas. I never get tired of seeing all the amazing sights in our country and around the world.
I love to collaborate with other teachers across grade levels and subjects, so my students will see the connections across disciplines and the importance of the arts in our lives!

Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I look forward to a great year in the Fine Arts Studio with the great students at RJ Richey.
Best,

Samantha Melvin
RJ Richey Elementary, Fine Arts
Elementary Division Chair, Texas Art Education Association
Western Region Elementary Division Representative, National Art Education Association
smelvin@burnet.txed.net

And above all, let them remember that the meaning of life is to build a life as if it were a work of art.
~Ernest Boyer

Photo of the Great Wall by Samantha Melvin, 2008.