One of the favorite art projects of the year is always the mask project. This assignment is a rich opportunity for students to gain more insight and knowledge of other cultures that have created masks, and to learn their purpose. For this project, I always require my students to write a research paper about a culture that created masks. They are asked to do this as part of the visual research aspect of the project. 

I feel that it is extremely important for art curriculum to be student-centered, and for students to be exposed to opportunities to practice their writing and communication skills, to expand their awareness of other cultures, and their art making processes. Another requirement that I have instilled within the high school art curriculum, is that all students practice speaking and writing about their art work by sharing their projects with their classmates. They are given questions to answer regarding their creative process, the meaning of their artwork, and inquiry into what they liked about their artwork and what, if anything, would they do different next time. I also encourage my students to reflect and assess their art work by engaging in the critique process with their peers.  

Before earning my Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree in Education, I was a Behavioral Health Counselor. My work experience also includes several years as a Teacher’s Aide supporting students with various abilities from preschool to high school age. While I was earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Art, I spent three years working with children with autism and other special needs, where I created an engaging art program. This was a team approach and included all of the students as well. Later, while I was fulfilling my internship for counseling at a residential treatment program for adults with mental illness, I created and led an expressive arts group that was so well received that the program expanded.  I learned how inspiring it was to encourage others to express themselves through art. This program culminated with a collaboration between three agencies in Sonoma County that served the mentally ill. “The Sonoma County Wellness Arts Collaborative” created a successful Arts event, with 60 works of art created by clients.

COMMENTS FROM COLLEAGUES & STUDENTS

“Jeanne is a passionate teacher who is committed to creating a learning

environment that fosters creativity, imagination, safety, and self-expression.”

Karen Shaver-Teacher & Mentor, Clear Lake High School 2021-2023

“Her approach to teaching art is what we need in teaching today.

In teaching art, Ms. Bailly brings the same commitment to her craft as that of a commissioned artist.”

Shane Lee-Vice Principal, Clear Lake High School 2021-2022

“At the school, I witnessed Ms. Bailly’s ability to work with a diverse

population of students with various learning abilities. As an art

teacher, she takes the approach to teach with the objective that art

does not need to be perfect but to learn the process of creating and

learning what art can be.”

Shaun Roderick-Principal, Clear Lake High School 2021-2022

“I’m glad to have met such an amazing teacher and it was wonderful to have

you as one. You have been one of the most positive impacts after coming

back from such a stressful year. You definitely gave back my enthusiasm and

inspiration, not to mention confidence I haven’t had for many years of my life.”

Enrique S.-Student, 2021-2023

“Having Ms. Bailly as a teacher over this past year has helped me gain in

confidence in my art and my ability to create it~something I have

always struggled with.”

Anabelle-Student, 2022-2023

“This client has not been interested in anything for the past 10 years that I

have worked with him. Having him starting to engage in art group is

huge!”

Case Manager-Sonoma County Mental Health, 2016