Congrats to March Art Educator of the Month Salena White

The Art Teacher of the Month is Salena White, who currently teaches in River Falls.

Salena says:
For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed art.  As a child I would spend hours drawing, creating and crafting.  It was in high school I saw the possibility to incorporate my love for art with a career.  I was fortunate to be a student of Sherry Zei, long time WAEA member and Visual Arts Classic coordinator.  I was an intern for Mrs. Zei, a participant in VAC, and president of the Art Honor’s Society.  The relationship over my high school years with Mrs. Zei was the catalyst for becoming an art educator.  She gave me confidence, encouragement and constant support as her student.  She was a remarkable teacher, and I strive to emulate her.  In 2005 I graduated from UW-River Falls with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education.I have been teaching for the last 8 years. After several years of subbing, I was hired in 2011 for the Minocqua J1 School District.  I taught community education classes after school, and was the costume director for the middle school plays.  I fell a school should be a gallery for the students masterpieces.  Every spring I would showcase 1200 works of art in conjunction with the school's STEAM night.
After a big move across the state last summer, I am currently teaching at Westside Elementary in River Falls.  It is wonderful being back in the Western region of the state.  It is so beautiful here, and I appreciate the access to music, art and culture that the area has to offer.  Teaching at Westside has been a wonderful experience.  When I am teaching, I feel in my element.  My hope is that I can create relationships with students that will last a lifetime and be as encouraging as Mrs. Zei was with me.