Teaching in K-12 Schools and Community Settings
"Desi, you continue to bring the exceptionally high standards to all your work in the performing arts department and at WNS. In addition to the outstanding performances created by you and the members of your department, you contribute your many strengths in pedagogical theory, educational innovation, and great vision in the ways performing arts can impact student learning at WNS. Your leadership with the visual and performing arts is also an important and appreciated part of your work here. The impact you make on student lives is evident by the deep affection they have for you, even years after they leave WNS." - Senior Administration |
I've been teaching at Westside Neighborhood School for the past 12 years. For the first two years, I taught fifth grade and worked on musical productions. Then, I moved into the performing arts department. I've been the Director of Visual and Performing Arts at WNS for the past 10 years, I teach middle school theatre arts classes, and I direct multiple productions each year. Below is the most recent written observation I received from senior administration at my school.
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I've been honored to speak at the Getty Center for educators and docents on Empathy through Art, as well as providing activities to further engage their visitors."Thank you for the excellent presentation of your talk on "Empathy through Art." It was thoughtful, engaging, interactive, compassionate, and also lots of fun. A special experience truly enjoyed by everyone!"
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"Thank you so much for delivering an incredible lecture. I was so glad to finally meet you in person and look forward to finding more opportunities to bring your expertise to LACMA." - From the Education Coordinator, Teacher Programs at LACMA
"Desi, please accept my warmest THANK YOU for your wonderful workshop in our Teaching Through Storytelling program. I enjoyed working with you through every step of the process, and was impressed and inspired by the workshop you led. You create ease, trust, and fun among the participants, and the material you shared was fantastic and relevant!" - From the former Coordinator of Teacher Programs at the Skirball Cultural Center |
I've worked as a workshop presenter for years at the Skirball Cultural Center. I've so enjoyed teaching drama activities for K-12 teachers connected to various exhibits, as well as providing tools to add more movement and engaging activities in the classroom. I've taught as part of Teaching Our World Through the Arts as well as their professional development series for educators. Moreover, I was asked to also lead workshops for docents to help them make their tours even more engaging. |
I've had the wonderful opportunity of working with The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. I initially ran a few professional development workshops for teachers but then was asked to be an educational consultant where I helped to develop a framework for classroom teachers and teaching artists to collaborate and thrive together. I also served on their Teacher Advisory Council since it's founding. |