Nikki La Porta is a Canadian high school Visual Arts and Geography teacher. In June 2017 she completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History (Science Geography Minor) at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, and her Bachelor of Education at York University in April 2019. Nikki works with several different types of media including painting, drawing, collage, computer design, and sculpture. She often makes pieces based on data collection and measurement, and is currently working on ideas incorporating her recently-found interest in American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture. Nikki displayed two pieces of work in the 2017 Art and Art History grad show exhibition at the Blackwood Gallery. As she makes her way through her teaching career, Nikki hopes to meet and learn from many different people, and to continue her professional development by participating in workshops, AQ courses and independent reading/study. Her teaching philosophy is pretty simple: be human—be yourself. High school is one of the roughest times for adolescents, so a good teacher/mentor during this stage can make such a difference. Treat your students with the same respect you would treat any adult. Be mindful of what it means to be a teenager in today’s society. Understand and embrace each student’s individuality. Discipline justly and fairly. Open your door for anyone who needs it. Show them you believe in them. |