Hello. My Name is Brenda Zander. I am a studying Art Student through college courses,
conferences and personal education as well an Elementary Educator with a Multiple subject
credential and supplementary art credential. My site serves as a resume, portfolio, and
current journal for work I have done or am doing.
I enjoy many forms of art from glass and ceramics, to painting and photography. I have
been influenced greatly by the impressionist artists and the abstract expressionists. I enjoy the
works of Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollack, Andy Warhol, Andy Goldsworthy, Dorothea
Lange, Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz, and Henri Matisse. In the current ceramic world I am
attracted to the work of Tri Tran, Marc Lancet, Rod guyer, and Kathy Kerns, all of which I
have had the opportunity to work with.
The art you find on these pages are an eclectic gallery of my works (many but not all
works). I hope you enjoy them. If you have an interest in a piece please feel free to email me,
please indicate in the subject line my web address so that I don't accidentally mistake you for
spam.
This page is intended to familiarize yourself with my personal goals, my lifes' endeavors,
educational experiences whether professionally trained or through personal initiative, and allow
you to see what I have accomplished or intend to accomplish.
conferences and personal education as well an Elementary Educator with a Multiple subject
credential and supplementary art credential. My site serves as a resume, portfolio, and
current journal for work I have done or am doing.
I enjoy many forms of art from glass and ceramics, to painting and photography. I have
been influenced greatly by the impressionist artists and the abstract expressionists. I enjoy the
works of Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollack, Andy Warhol, Andy Goldsworthy, Dorothea
Lange, Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz, and Henri Matisse. In the current ceramic world I am
attracted to the work of Tri Tran, Marc Lancet, Rod guyer, and Kathy Kerns, all of which I
have had the opportunity to work with.
The art you find on these pages are an eclectic gallery of my works (many but not all
works). I hope you enjoy them. If you have an interest in a piece please feel free to email me,
please indicate in the subject line my web address so that I don't accidentally mistake you for
spam.
This page is intended to familiarize yourself with my personal goals, my lifes' endeavors,
educational experiences whether professionally trained or through personal initiative, and allow
you to see what I have accomplished or intend to accomplish.
Educational Training
A.A. Liberal Arts/ Highest Honors GPA 3.83 Graduation
Date August 2002 - Solano Community College
B.A. Liberal Studies/ Summa Cum Laude GPA 3.902
Grad Date May 2007 - Sonoma State University
With Distinction from the Hutchins School of Liberal
Studies.
Teacher Credentialing program GPA 4.0 Graduation Date
May 2008 Elementary Education with Supplemental Art
credential K-8
Cumulative GPA 3.976 - Sonoma State University
Date August 2002 - Solano Community College
B.A. Liberal Studies/ Summa Cum Laude GPA 3.902
Grad Date May 2007 - Sonoma State University
With Distinction from the Hutchins School of Liberal
Studies.
Teacher Credentialing program GPA 4.0 Graduation Date
May 2008 Elementary Education with Supplemental Art
credential K-8
Cumulative GPA 3.976 - Sonoma State University
2 semesters Raku ceramics training / kiln
6 semesters ceramics/wheel
1 semester ceramics/hand building
Figure drawing
Beginning drawing
Art History 1 - Development of human cultures from
ancient art, medieval, African, North and South American,
Indian, South Pacific, and Oriental.
Art History 2 - Development of Western art by a study of
Renaissance through Modern Western art.
Watercolor
Sonoma State University - Art Projects - Collection of Art
projects to be used in the classroom.
Earth Art
Stained Glass
Children's Art - 5 years of teaching art to children
6 semesters ceramics/wheel
1 semester ceramics/hand building
Figure drawing
Beginning drawing
Art History 1 - Development of human cultures from
ancient art, medieval, African, North and South American,
Indian, South Pacific, and Oriental.
Art History 2 - Development of Western art by a study of
Renaissance through Modern Western art.
Watercolor
Sonoma State University - Art Projects - Collection of Art
projects to be used in the classroom.
Earth Art
Stained Glass
Children's Art - 5 years of teaching art to children
CCACA- California Conference for the Advance of
Ceramic Artists
3 Day Lecture series in Davis California put on by the
John Natsoulas Gallery on First Street.
May 2001
May 2002
May 2004
May 2006
Ceramic Artists
3 Day Lecture series in Davis California put on by the
John Natsoulas Gallery on First Street.
May 2001
May 2002
May 2004
May 2006
Recognition
The College Board Talent Roster of Outstanding Transfer Students From
Community Colleges Program 2002-2003.
For Academic excellence at a 2 year college.
Community Colleges Program 2002-2003.
For Academic excellence at a 2 year college.
Solano Community College - Jan Eldridge- Women in Art Scholarship.
Spring 2002
Spring 2002
Fairfield Visual Arts Association Annual Juried Art Show November
2002 - January 2003.
Gallery Show and Juried Art show
Selected piece : "Dun Foo"
Ceramics / Raku
2002 - January 2003.
Gallery Show and Juried Art show
Selected piece : "Dun Foo"
Ceramics / Raku
Independent Contract with V.C.U.S.D. 2003-2005
Established new Art Program with a local elementary school. Required to
incorporate Language Arts into the program, (Houghton Mifflin). Students
learn about artists, art history, styles of art, and techniques in conjunction
with specific classroom curriculum. I have also included the California
Contents and Standards for Visual Arts into my program.
Established new Art Program with a local elementary school. Required to
incorporate Language Arts into the program, (Houghton Mifflin). Students
learn about artists, art history, styles of art, and techniques in conjunction
with specific classroom curriculum. I have also included the California
Contents and Standards for Visual Arts into my program.
Fall 2003 Art Show - December 17, 2003 Steffan Manor
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. I taught the courses and setup the show
as well as created custom ribbons, and distributed information to the
parents, students, and district staff. 500-600 people attended.
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. I taught the courses and setup the show
as well as created custom ribbons, and distributed information to the
parents, students, and district staff. 500-600 people attended.
Spring 2004 Art Show - June 10, 2004 Steffan Manor
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. I taught the courses and setup the show
as well as created custom ribbons, and distributed information to the
parents, students, and district staff. 400-500 people attended. The show
theme was Multicultural Art.
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. I taught the courses and setup the show
as well as created custom ribbons, and distributed information to the
parents, students, and district staff. 400-500 people attended. The show
theme was Multicultural Art.
In the Company of Wolves Art Show-. June 5, 2004. 1st art
show located in an atmospheric coffee house on the main street of Benicia, California.
Work ranged from digital photography, pottery, and paintings, as well as drawings in
charcoal, sumi-e, and pastels.
show located in an atmospheric coffee house on the main street of Benicia, California.
Work ranged from digital photography, pottery, and paintings, as well as drawings in
charcoal, sumi-e, and pastels.
Fall 2004 Art Show - December 16, 2004 Steffan Manor
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This art show was displayed art based on
Language arts based lessons. Each class had a story and an art lesson to
go with it. Some examples are: "Snowflake Bentley", "The Little Rabbit
Who Wanted Red Wings", "The Very Lonely Firefly", and much more.
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This art show was displayed art based on
Language arts based lessons. Each class had a story and an art lesson to
go with it. Some examples are: "Snowflake Bentley", "The Little Rabbit
Who Wanted Red Wings", "The Very Lonely Firefly", and much more.
Sonoma State University- Edgar & Beulah Dryden Fund Scholarship -
Academic Year 2005-2006
Academic Year 2005-2006
Spring 2005 Art Show - June 16, 2005 Steffan Manor
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This art show was displayed art based on
Language arts Houghton Mifflin based lessons. Each class worked on a
Houghtno Mifflin theme and created an art lesson to go with it. Lessons
included A World of Animals, We Can Do It, Talent Show, Smart
Solutions, Nature: Friend and Foe, and Animal Encounters.
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This art show was displayed art based on
Language arts Houghton Mifflin based lessons. Each class worked on a
Houghtno Mifflin theme and created an art lesson to go with it. Lessons
included A World of Animals, We Can Do It, Talent Show, Smart
Solutions, Nature: Friend and Foe, and Animal Encounters.
Long Term Substitute Secretary/Clerk with
V.C.U.S.D. (Vallejo City Unified School District)-Responsibilites:
occassional attendance data, letters of recommendation, Student entry data
in Aeries student database. Categorical Budget, General Fund Budget, Fire
Money Budget, requisitions for purchases, producing various forms from
school related injury to hiring, student cumulative files, extra service
agreements, as well as many other duties and responsibilities. March 2005
- June 2005
V.C.U.S.D. (Vallejo City Unified School District)-Responsibilites:
occassional attendance data, letters of recommendation, Student entry data
in Aeries student database. Categorical Budget, General Fund Budget, Fire
Money Budget, requisitions for purchases, producing various forms from
school related injury to hiring, student cumulative files, extra service
agreements, as well as many other duties and responsibilities. March 2005
- June 2005
Sonoma State University- Jacqueline Strain Scholarship - Academic
Year 2006-2007
Year 2006-2007
Sonoma State University- Jeannine Thompson Memorial Scholarship -
Academic Year 2006-2007
Academic Year 2006-2007
Art Specific Training
Sonoma State University- Zephyr Publication-Hutchins School of
Liberal Studies 2006-2007
Liberal Studies 2006-2007
Fall 2006 Art Show - January, 2006 Steffan Manor
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This show comprised of art works
related to the various core curriculum in the California Content Standards.
It also created a multicultural learning environment so that all children
could succeed.
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This show comprised of art works
related to the various core curriculum in the California Content Standards.
It also created a multicultural learning environment so that all children
could succeed.
Spring 2006 Art Show - June, 2006 Steffan Manor
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This show comprised of art works
relating to the various cultures around the world, what the students
learned about them, their visions of the cultures, and enhancing a greater
appreceation for world diveristy.
Elemerntary school. Grade K-5. This show comprised of art works
relating to the various cultures around the world, what the students
learned about them, their visions of the cultures, and enhancing a greater
appreceation for world diveristy.
Spring 2007 - Art Show - June 6, 2007 Interdiciplinary
Art. Art can be used to teach math, science, english, social studies, and
everything in between. This show focused on classroom curriculum in all
areas of learning.
Art. Art can be used to teach math, science, english, social studies, and
everything in between. This show focused on classroom curriculum in all
areas of learning.
Sonoma State University- Hutchins School of Liberal Studies
Art Show 2006-2007
Art Show 2006-2007
Fairfield Visual Arts Association Annual Juried Art Show January 2007 -
February 2007..
Gallery Show and Juried Art show
Selected piece : "Hamlet's Fortune"
Ceramics
February 2007..
Gallery Show and Juried Art show
Selected piece : "Hamlet's Fortune"
Ceramics
CKA - California Kindergarten Association Confernce-
2004
* Promotes the value of early childhood education
* Assists in development and implementation of appropriate
environment and curricula to meet diverse needs of young
children in our pluralistic society.
CKA Art Show - Orangized Steffan Manor Elementary
School Kindergarten and 1st grade classes to participate in
the annual conference art show in 2004 and 2005.
2004
* Promotes the value of early childhood education
* Assists in development and implementation of appropriate
environment and curricula to meet diverse needs of young
children in our pluralistic society.
CKA Art Show - Orangized Steffan Manor Elementary
School Kindergarten and 1st grade classes to participate in
the annual conference art show in 2004 and 2005.
Challenging Inequities: Traveling a Path of Social
Justice in Global Education Conference. A Conference
designed by pre-service and in-service teachers to explore
and challenge inequities in global education and envision
new possibilities for the future. March 17, 2007.
Justice in Global Education Conference. A Conference
designed by pre-service and in-service teachers to explore
and challenge inequities in global education and envision
new possibilities for the future. March 17, 2007.
Sonoma State University- Jacqueline Strain Scholarship - Academic
Year 2007-2008
Year 2007-2008
Fall 2008 -A show about diverse artists, from women to men,
Latina/o artists, Asian artists, African American Artists, artists who are
physically/ mentally handicapped , European artists, so that the Students at
Steffan Manor will be able to identify and derive inspiration from someone
just like them. This will enable us to procure a more socially just
atmostphere among our students.
Latina/o artists, Asian artists, African American Artists, artists who are
physically/ mentally handicapped , European artists, so that the Students at
Steffan Manor will be able to identify and derive inspiration from someone
just like them. This will enable us to procure a more socially just
atmostphere among our students.
Sonoma State University- "Top 25" Scholar for Academic Year
2007-2008
2007-2008
Long Term Teacher Substitute with V.C.U.S.D.
(Vallejo City Unified School District)- 60% long term substitute teacher for
3rd grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major responsibility:
Harcourt Math, Houghton Mifflin Language Arts, Social Studies, and
Second Step as well as classroom management, procedures and routines.
August- September 2007
Long term Substitute position at Steffan Manor Elementary for 2nd grade.
40% Major responsibility: Houghton Mifflin Language Arts, Harcourt Math,
California Social Studies units, classroom management, procedures and
routines. October - November 2007
(Vallejo City Unified School District)- 60% long term substitute teacher for
3rd grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major responsibility:
Harcourt Math, Houghton Mifflin Language Arts, Social Studies, and
Second Step as well as classroom management, procedures and routines.
August- September 2007
Long term Substitute position at Steffan Manor Elementary for 2nd grade.
40% Major responsibility: Houghton Mifflin Language Arts, Harcourt Math,
California Social Studies units, classroom management, procedures and
routines. October - November 2007
Fairfield Visual Arts Association Annual Juried Art Show February 2008
- March 2008.
Gallery Show and Juried Art show
Selected piece : "Anette's Chocolates"
Ceramics
- March 2008.
Gallery Show and Juried Art show
Selected piece : "Anette's Chocolates"
Ceramics
Teacher with V.C.U.S.D. (Vallejo City Unified School District)-
40% teacher for 2nd grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: Harcourt Math, Houghton Mifflin Language Arts, Social
Studies, and Second Step as well as classroom management, procedures
and routines. October 2007- June 2008
40% teacher for 2nd grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: Harcourt Math, Houghton Mifflin Language Arts, Social
Studies, and Second Step as well as classroom management, procedures
and routines. October 2007- June 2008
Teacher with V.C.U.S.D. (Vallejo City Unified School District)-
100% teacher for 4th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2008- June 2009
100% teacher for 4th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2008- June 2009
Experience
Conferences/ Work Shops
Advanced Houghton Mifflin Trainging- Professional
Development through VCUSD. Training for use of
Houghton Mifflin Materials through California Approved
Curriculum. Specific skills: Interdisciplinary links, diverse
learning styles, accessible materials for all students.
August 2008, 2010 AB46.
Development through VCUSD. Training for use of
Houghton Mifflin Materials through California Approved
Curriculum. Specific skills: Interdisciplinary links, diverse
learning styles, accessible materials for all students.
August 2008, 2010 AB46.
Datawise Training- Trainging specific to the use of the
software, capabilities, accessing student ahievement data,
and analysis of data to help me modify instructional
strategies. February 2009.
software, capabilities, accessing student ahievement data,
and analysis of data to help me modify instructional
strategies. February 2009.
Second Step Violence Prevention Program- This
program is designed to incorproate social and emotional
skills in the classroom beside academics to help build
success for life. The training provided me with an
overview and practice lesson to help me incorporate this
program into my classroom on a weekly lesson basis as
well as an everyday attitude about social and emotional
skills .
program is designed to incorproate social and emotional
skills in the classroom beside academics to help build
success for life. The training provided me with an
overview and practice lesson to help me incorporate this
program into my classroom on a weekly lesson basis as
well as an everyday attitude about social and emotional
skills .
Teacher with V.C.U.S.D. (Vallejo City Unified School District)-
100% teacher for 5th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2009- June 2010
100% teacher for 5th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2009- June 2010
Teacher with V.C.U.S.D. (Vallejo City Unified School District)-
60% teacher for 4th/5th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2010- June 2011
Teacher Support - 40% with Vallejo City Unified School District - Steffan
manor Elementary School. Major Responsibility: Support K-5 classrooms
with small group phonics and reading instruction, data analysis, English
language learner instruction, and administrative support. Design and update
monthly school Newsletter: Steffan Connection.
60% teacher for 4th/5th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2010- June 2011
Teacher Support - 40% with Vallejo City Unified School District - Steffan
manor Elementary School. Major Responsibility: Support K-5 classrooms
with small group phonics and reading instruction, data analysis, English
language learner instruction, and administrative support. Design and update
monthly school Newsletter: Steffan Connection.
Spring 2010 -A show focusing on Women in History month.
Teachers chose historical figures of the female persuasion and designed
an art project based on the life, experiences, or ideas of famous women
from Marie Curie, to Danica Patrick (Nascar driver).
Teachers chose historical figures of the female persuasion and designed
an art project based on the life, experiences, or ideas of famous women
from Marie Curie, to Danica Patrick (Nascar driver).
Spring 2011 - "Illuminating Illustrators"
Teachers chose an illustrator to teach their students about, or had their
students become illustrators though comics and stories. Some classes
became super heroes, while others illustrated the letters of the alphabet, a
famous book, or created their own stories. Students also became
illustrators through sharing of ideas. One idea was the human footprint
on the planet. They illustrated their ideas through art using recycled CD's.
Teachers chose an illustrator to teach their students about, or had their
students become illustrators though comics and stories. Some classes
became super heroes, while others illustrated the letters of the alphabet, a
famous book, or created their own stories. Students also became
illustrators through sharing of ideas. One idea was the human footprint
on the planet. They illustrated their ideas through art using recycled CD's.
Project GLAD- Two day work shop - 4 day Demonstration
and follow up dates. Curricular model that balances language
approach to language acquisition focusing on effective
strategies, differentiation, language functional environment
(reading, writing, speaking, listening), and curriculum
integration. August 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 2011.
District GLAD Lead training- 2011-2012 once a month
meetings to support GLAD certified teachers.
and follow up dates. Curricular model that balances language
approach to language acquisition focusing on effective
strategies, differentiation, language functional environment
(reading, writing, speaking, listening), and curriculum
integration. August 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 2011.
District GLAD Lead training- 2011-2012 once a month
meetings to support GLAD certified teachers.
Teacher with V.C.U.S.D. (Vallejo City Unified School District)-
teacher, 5th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2011- June 2012
Teacher Support - 60% with Vallejo City Unified School District - Steffan
Manor Elementary School. Major Responsibility: Support K-5 classrooms
with small group phonics and reading instruction, data analysis, English
language learner instruction, and administrative support.
teacher, 5th grade at Steffan Manor Elemerntary school. Major
responsibility: McMillian McGraw-Hill Math, Houghton Mifflin Language
Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Second Step as well as classroom
management, procedures and routines. August 2011- June 2012
Teacher Support - 60% with Vallejo City Unified School District - Steffan
Manor Elementary School. Major Responsibility: Support K-5 classrooms
with small group phonics and reading instruction, data analysis, English
language learner instruction, and administrative support.
Spring 2012 - "The Art of School"
Students participated in an artistic experience based upon their grade
level curriculum from science to math. Geometrical art, centrifugal
art, forms of energy, cartography, literature, agriculture and more!
Students participated in an artistic experience based upon their grade
level curriculum from science to math. Geometrical art, centrifugal
art, forms of energy, cartography, literature, agriculture and more!