Course Description:  Illustrations can tell a story that inspires and impacts lives. A personal story or illustration can even challenge an audience to feel and think differently, especially in depictions of weakness. Vulnerable moments shared in art have the power to yield a sense of strength and resilience. Now is the time to share your personal story through the art of illustration and writing as a way to motivate others and change lives. Feel free to participate by listening, watching, writing, and/or creating a meaningful work of art.

Facilitator: Saz Ross

Bio: Saz Ross is a Latin woman who was raised in Queens/Long Island, NY, and has been living in Baltimore City for the last ten years. She proudly attained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Art Education at Towson University. In 2016, Saz was awarded Elementary Art Teacher of the Year from the Maryland Art Education Association for Howard County, MD. Saz’s artwork has been featured in shows, websites, and gallery exhibitions all throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. While teaching in Baltimore, Saz earned a spot on the leadership team at Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center (LTYC), one of Baltimore’s fastest-growing art education non-profit organizations. Saz is now running her art business as an Illustrator alongside being an Educational Associate for LTYC and speaking coach. She proudly leads students, art instructors, professors, and professionals all throughout Maryland with interactive and imaginative professional development workshops. Saz’s passion is to help others access the power of having a creative outlet and loyal platform/community of people who appreciate your work-in person and online. Creative outlets have the ability to elevate your self-esteem while making you a stronger speaker and storyteller.

Key Teaching and Learning Strategies explored in this course: 

• Perception - SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: With intention, model and develop social-emotional learning competencies.

• Facilitator Role - ARTIST HABITS OF MIND: Model and cultivate the Artist Habits of Mind. (Engage & Persist)

• Artist Communities - VOICE & AGENCY: Integrate authentic opportunities for participants to share their perspectives and experiences, make choices, and provide and receive peer feedback.

To download the full MSDE Fine Arts Office Professional Learning Framework, please click here.