NAEA Need to Know Webcast: The Year Before the Gig: Your Senior Year Survival Guide

Carlos A. Cruz is a first-year, secondary art teacher at Evolutions High School in Providence, Rhode Island. With a background in animation, video editing, and photography, he focuses on creating digital art experiences for his students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. He knows from experience the importance of art education for all students and is excited to share his passion. He also currently holds two leadership positions within NAEA: Preservice Eastern Regional Director and President-Elect for the LGBTQ+ Interest Group.

Katie Threet is a recent graduate of Northern Kentucky University and first-year teacher at Holmes Middle School in Covington, Kentucky, which is right outside of Cincinnati, Ohio (confusing, yes). She proposed a new class to the school board, got it accepted, and is therefore about to embark on teaching Art & Career Choices to middle school students. She will be fusing the artistic process, design thinking, and career planning in this 16-week course. Katie loves to travel on a small budget, spend time with friends, buy antique trinkets, and paint en plein air. She has a huge spot in her heart for preparing preservice teachers and believes that her wild and crazy journey to become the teacher she always wanted to be can help others!